Daily Ca Intake Research Articles

Analyzing the Characteristics of Fishbone Powder Derived from Pangasius sp., Thunnus tonggol, and Thunnus albacares as Food Fortificant

Pangasius sp., Thunnus tonggol (T. tonggol), and Thunnus albacares (T. albacares) are high-value commercial species widely used in fillet production, generating by-products, such as fishbone. The fishbone, rich in calcium (CA) and phosphorus (P), offers a valuable alternative for daily Ca intake. Using such by-products as a potential source of Ca presents a viable solution, offering food-fortificant ingredients applicable in various food products. Therefore, this study examined the physical and chemical properties of fishbone powder derived from Pangasius sp., T. tonggol, and T. albacares. The products preparations were subjected to cooking, autoclaving, pulverization, homogenization, drying, and grinding. The physical and chemical analysis of fishbone powder showed that T. tonggol and T. albacares had a darker color compared to Pangasius sp., with higher protein content and likely stimulation of a Maillard reaction during the drying process. All species maintained a neutral pH range, and their particle sizes significantly differed (p< 0.05), ranging from nm to µm. SEM images showed irregularly shaped and agglomerated particles in all fish species. The ash content was 54.35 g/100 g (Pangasius sp.), 53.62 g/100 g (T. tonggol), and 52.28 g/100 g (T. albacares), showing high mineral content, particularly in Ca exceeding 40%. The analysis of a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed carbonate and phosphate peaks, representing the presence of calcium salts. Based on the evaluation, fishbone powder for each species had the potential to serve as food fortificant.

Impacts of people at-risk of either cow milk allergies or lactose intolerance on their daily calcium intake and bone mineral density.

People who are at risk of either cow milk allergies or lactose intolerance may need to avoid consuming milk and milk products, which are well-known abundant sources of calcium (Ca). This limitation in calcium intake could affect bone health. Currently, there is limited knowledge on the impact of avoiding the consumption of milk and milk products on the daily Ca intake and bone mineral density (BMD) of people at risk of cow milk allergies. This study aimed to investigate the differences between the amount of Ca intake and BMD values between people who are at risk of cow milk allergies and those who are not. A total of 80 participants were recruited, and further divided into two groups, the at-risk cow milk allergies (AR) group (n = 40) and the normal (NOR) group, using the cow milk allergies and lactose intolerance screening questionnaire. The anthropometric assessment, body composition analyses, 3-day dietary record, and bone mass density (wrist and ankle bones) measurement of all participants were collected using the dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) technique to compare the differences of variables between the two groups. The participants in the AR group presented a significantly lower amount of Ca intake (317 mg/day) than those in the NOR group (623 mg/day) (p < 0.05). The bone mineral density (BMD) parameters indicated that the NOR group presented significantly higher T-scores and BMD values of the wrist (T-score = -0.27 and BMD = 0.57 g/cm2) and ankle (T-score = -0.01 and BMD = 0.59 g/cm2) bones when compared with the AR group (T-score = -1.96 and BMD = 0.48 g/cm2 for the wrist bone, and T-score = -1.18 and BMD = 0.47 g/cm2 for the ankle bone) (p < 0.05). In addition, the results indicated significantly positive correlations between the amount of Ca intake and the T-scores and BMD values of both the wrist and ankle bones among all participants (p < 0.05). In this responding sample, participants at risk of cow milk allergies experienced a significantly negative impact on the amount of Ca intake and BMD values. Professionals in nutrition and dietetics should provide nutrition education and strategies that can enhance the Ca intake among this population to help them meet the daily Ca intake recommendation, ultimately leading to better bone health.

Total Calcium Intake Is Associated With Trabecular Bone Density in Adolescent Girls With Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) confers an increased risk of fracture and is associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and altered microarchitecture compared with controls. Adequate calcium (Ca) intake promotes bone mineralization, thereby increasing BMD. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the associations of total daily Ca intake with bone outcomes among youth with T1D. This was a cross-sectional analysis of girls ages 10-16 years with (n = 62) and without (n = 60) T1D. We measured Ca intake with a validated food-frequency questionnaire and BMD, microarchitecture, and strength estimates with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Total daily Ca intake did not differ between groups (950 ± 488 in T1D versus 862 ± 461 mg/d in controls, p = 0.306). Serum 25OHD was lower in T1D (26.3 ± 7.6 versus 32.6 ± 9.0 ng/mL, p = <0.001), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) was higher in T1D (38.9 ± 11 versus 33.4 ± 9.7 pg/mL, p = 0.004). Trabecular volumetric BMD and thickness at the tibia were lower in T1D (p = 0.013, p = 0.030). Ca intake correlated with trabecular BMD at the radius and tibia among T1D participants (β = 0.27, p = 0.047, and β = 0.28, p = 0.027, β = 0.28, respectively) but not among controls (pinteraction = 0.009 at the radius, pinteraction = 0.010 at the tibia). Similarly, Ca intake was associated with estimated failure load at the tibia in T1D but not control participants (p = 0.038, β = 0.18; pinteraction = 0.051). We observed the expected negative association of Ca intake with parathyroid hormone in controls (p = 0.022, β = -0.29) but not in T1D participants (pinteraction = 0.022). Average glycemia as measured by hemoglobin A1c did not influence the relationship of Ca and PTH among participants with T1D (pinteraction = 0.138). These data suggest that youth with T1D may be particularly vulnerable to dietary Ca insufficiency. Increasing Ca intake may be an effective strategy to optimize bone health in this population. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Health-risk Assessment and Evaluation of Different Metals in Different Tea Products Consumed in Jordan Using ICP-MS and ICP-OES

This study aimed to analyze the concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in black, green, white and oolong tea samples in different brands that are widely consumed in Jordan to assess the health risk associated with their consumption. Inductively Coupled Plasma equipped with Mass Spectrometry and Optical Emission Spectrophoto¬metry (ICP-MS/OES) were used for analysis after sample preparation. The mean concentrations of Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Pb, Sn, Cd, Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na were found to be in the range of not detected to 135.4 mg/kg and 0.10–389.93 mg/kg for both infused and digested samples, respectively. The daily intake of Ca, K, Na and Mg was found in the range of 0.31–9.03% of their Recommended Dietary Intake (RDA). The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Target Cancer Risk (TR) were used for the assessment of health risks associated with the metals’ intake. THQ, HI and TR values of all elements were found to be below the allowable limits determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agent (US-EPA), suggesting that the consumption of different tea products from the Jordanian market does not pose a significant risk to human health.

Association of Dietary Calcium Intake with Dental, Skeletal and Non-Skeletal Fluorosis among Women in the Ethiopian Rift Valley.

Fluorosis is a major public health problem in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Low calcium (Ca) intake may worsen fluorosis symptoms. We assessed the occurrence of fluorosis symptoms among women living in high-fluoride (F) communities in South Ethiopia and their associations with dietary Ca intake. Women (n = 270) from two villages provided clinical and questionnaire data. Dental fluorosis examination was done using Dean’s Index, and skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis assessment was carried out using physical tests and clinical symptoms. Daily Ca intake was estimated by a food frequency questionnaire. Food, drinking water and beverage samples were analyzed for F level. Many subjects (56.3%) exhibited dental fluorosis. One-third of the women were unable to perform the physical exercises indicative of skeletal fluorosis; about half had ≥2 symptoms of skeletal/non-skeletal fluorosis. The average F level in drinking water sources was ~5 mg/L. The F content in staple food samples varied from 0.8–13.6 mg/kg. Average Ca intake was 406 ± 97 mg/day. Women having ≤400 mg/day Ca intake had ~3 times greater odds of developing skeletal rigidity with joint pains [AOR = 2.8, 95%CI: 1.6, 5.0] and muscular weakness [AOR = 2.9, 95%CI: 1.3, 6.3] compared to those with higher intakes. No association of calcium intake was seen with dental fluorosis. As low dietary Ca intake was associated with symptoms related to skeletal and non-skeletal fluorosis, this warrants nutritional intervention on calcium intakes in this setting.

Elements in potable groundwater in Rugao longevity area, China: Hydrogeochemical characteristics, enrichment patterns and health assessments

Rugao city is a typical longevity area taking shallow groundwater as the primary drinking water source. To determine the relationship between longevity and groundwater conditions, the hydrogeochemical characteristics and related causes of potable groundwater were investigated. On this basis, the water quality index (WQI) and hazard index (HI) of groundwater were evaluated. Meanwhile, the nutrient indicators beneficial to human health, like Ca and Mg concentrations, were also considered to explore the relationship. The results were as following: (1) 91.3% of water samples fell under the Ca/Mg–HCO3 water type, which resulted from the dissolution of silicate rock. Na, Cl-, Br, B in groundwater emanated from seawater intrusion. The abnormal concentrations of NO3− and As also indicated that anthropogenic activities had exerted significant influences on groundwater quality. (2) The average WQI value was 30.19, which meant that the overall groundwater quality in Rugao city was pretty good. However, 8 water samples were found to have HI values above 1, which might be attributed to the high concentration of As (maximum value 0.0407 mg/L; mean value 0.0076 mg/L). In general, low WQI and HI values corresponded to towns with a high longevity population; what’s more, WQI and HI values of Rugao city were lower than those of non-longevity areas. (3) Comparing with adjacent non-longevity areas, the potable groundwater in Rugao city had the characteristics of high Ca (mean value 123.57 mg/L), high Mg (mean value 50.33 mg/L) and high SO42- (mean value 525.19 mg/L). The daily intake of Ca and Mg from drinking water could meet 12.4% and 22.4% of daily Ca and Mg requirements, respectively. Also, the areas where the Sr and B concentrations were higher usually had higher life expectancy. The high concentrations of Ca, Mg, SO42-, Sr and B in drinking water, as well as low WQI and HI values, probably contribute to physical health and longevity. This research helps provide an insight into the relationship between groundwater quality and health and can serve as a reference for drinking water quality management.

Evaluation of serum parameters to predict the dietary intake of calcium and available phosphorus in growing pigs.

Adequate provision of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) is essential for bone formation and high growth performance in pigs. Nevertheless, reliable serum biomarkers for pig’s Ca and P intake are still missing. Here, we used phytase supplementation to alter the dietary available P (aP) level in order to investigate the effect of differences in dietary aP levels on serum parameters related to the Ca and P homeostasis in pigs. Moreover, we assessed whether serum parameters can be used to predict the Ca, total P (tP), and aP intake in barrows and gilts throughout the fattening period. In total, 216 pigs (115 gilts and 101 barrows) were randomly allotted to one of the two diets in three replicate batches, each lasting 56 d (n = 108/diet). Pigs had free access to the diets without (Con) or with phytase (Phy; 650 phytase units/kg) via a transponder-based feeding system. Blood samples were collected on days 2, 23, and 52, and serum parameters were correlated with the daily Ca, tP, and aP intake. The intake of tP, aP, and Ca was overall 14.2%, 13.8%, and 14.2% higher in barrows compared with gilts, respectively (P < 0.001). Concurrently, phytase decreased the intake of tP and Ca by 8.4% and 6.7%, respectively, whereas it raised the intake of aP by 16.3% compared with the Con diet (P < 0.001). Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), vitamin D (VitD), and osteocalcin (OCN) decreased with age (P < 0.05). The higher aP intake of pigs fed the Phy diet increased serum P on days 2 and 23 but decreased it on day 52 compared with the Con diet (P = 0.004). Pigs fed the Phy diet had higher serum ALP compared with pigs fed the Con diet on days 23 and 52 (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis between serum parameters and Ca, tP, and aP intake showed age- and sex-related associations. With 12 wk of age, serum P in both sexes, serum VitD in barrows, and serum OCN and ALP in gilts correlated with aP intake (|r| > 0.38), whereas serum OCN correlated with Ca in both sexes’ intake (r > 0.50). At 20 wk, serum Ca and ALP in gilts correlated with aP intake, whereas serum P, Ca, and VitD correlated with Ca intake in both sexes (|r| > 0.39). In conclusion, the present results showed that the daily Ca and aP intake could be most reliably estimated from serum parameters for an approximate age of 12 and 20 wk. Serum P and the Ca:P ratio at 12 wk of age and serum VitD at 20 wk of age may be used to predict pig’s daily aP intake in both sexes.

The influence of lupine flour on selected parameters of novel bakery products

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of lupine flour on selected parameters of novel bakery products. Different proportions of lupine flour – from 25% to 100% – were added to the baked biscuits; wheat flour biscuits were prepared as the control sample. Increasing lupine content has positively affected mineral concentrations and sensory properties. After 4 days of storage, the lupine biscuit samples showed no significant differences in their water activity values when compared with each other. Compared with the control sample, the concentration of Ca was considerably increased by 1.2% in the biscuits with 25% lupine flour addition, which represents 5.8% of the recommended daily intake of Ca contained in 100 g of biscuits. The biscuits containing 25% of lupine flour showed no significant difference in colour compared to the control sample. The intensity of the sensory properties of the biscuits increased by adding more lupine flour; all the samples of lupine biscuits were acceptable to the evaluators. Based on the results, 25% of lupine flour addition may be considered the most appropriate.

Dietary calcium intake does not meet the nutritional requirements of children with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis

BackgroundAdequate calcium (Ca) intake is required for bone mineralization in children. We assessed Ca intake from diet and medications in children with CKD stages 4–5 and on dialysis (CKD4–5D) and age-matched controls, comparing with the UK Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) and international recommendations.MethodsThree-day prospective diet diaries were recorded in 23 children with CKD4–5, 23 with CKD5D, and 27 controls. Doses of phosphate (P) binders and Ca supplements were recorded.ResultsMedian dietary Ca intake in CKD4–5D was 480 (interquartile range (IQR) 300–621) vs 724 (IQR 575–852) mg/day in controls (p = 0.00002), providing 81% vs 108% RNI (p = 0.002). Seventy-six percent of patients received < 100% RNI. In CKD4–5D, 40% dietary Ca was provided from dairy foods vs 56% in controls. Eighty percent of CKD4–5D children were prescribed Ca-based P-binders, 15% Ca supplements, and 9% both medications, increasing median daily Ca intake to 1145 (IQR 665–1649) mg/day; 177% RNI. Considering the total daily Ca intake from diet and medications, 15% received < 100% RNI, 44% 100–200% RNI, and 41% > 200% RNI. Three children (6%) exceeded the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) upper limit of 2500 mg/day. None with a total Ca intake < RNI was hypocalcemic, and only one having > 2 × RNI was hypercalcemic.ConclusionsSeventy-six percent of children with CKD4–5D had a dietary Ca intake < 100% RNI. Restriction of dairy foods as part of a P-controlled diet limits Ca intake. Additional Ca from medications is required to meet the KDOQI guideline of 100–200% normal recommended Ca intake.Graphical abstract

Consumption of Very Low Mineral Water Is Associated with Lower Bone Mineral Content in Children

Our previous study found that consumption of very low mineral drinking water may retard height development in schoolchildren; however, its association with bone modeling remained unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of very low mineral water on biomarkers of bone modeling in children. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 2 groups of 10-13-y-old children who had consumed drinking water with normal mineral contents (conductivity 345 μs/cm, the NW group including 119 boys and 110 girls) or very low mineral contents (conductivity 40.0 μs/cm, the VLW group including 223 boys and 208 girls) in school for 4 y. Differences in daily total mineral intakes, developmental parameters, serum biomarkers of osteoblast activity, and bone formation and resorption between the 2 groups were analyzed with independent t test and chi-square test. Associations of developmental parameters and serum biomarkers with Ca intake from drinking water were analyzed with multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression. Compared with the NW group, the VLW group had lower daily Ca intake, height increase, bone mineral content (BMC), osteoblast activity [serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP)] (means±SDs: 433±131 mg, 16.6±8.27 cm, 1.92±0.431 kg, and 9.28±1.42 μg/L compared with 497±155 mg, 22.3±8.45 cm, 2.14±0.354 kg, and 11.0±0.823 μg/L, respectively, P<0.001), and higher bone resorption [serum crosslinked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), mean±SD: 142±46.9 nmol/L compared with 130±40.6 nmol/L, P=0.001). Ca intake from drinking water was positively associated with height increase, BMC, and BALP (β: 0.0667, 95% CI: 0.0540, 0.0793; β: 3.22, 95% CI: 2.37, 4.08; and β: 23.9, 95% CI: 20.6, 27.2), respectively, P<0.001), and was negatively associated with CTX (β: -0.206, 95% CI:-0.321, -0.0904, P<0.001). These changes suggested that consumption of very low mineral water may be associated with osteoblast inhibition, bone resorption activation, bone mineral reduction, and height development retardation. The health risk of consuming very low mineral water should be considered in children.

The Effect of Different Dietary Calcium Levels on Calcium Metabolism in Laying Hens

Abstract The experiment was carried out on four groups of Hy-Line var. Brown hens (n = 350 each) fed on diets which provided 2.49, 3.07, 3.78 and, respectively, 4.15 g% calcium (Ca) during the laying period. Consequently, mean daily Ca intake was 2.74, 3.38, 4.16 and 4.60 g/cap., respectively. Ca metabolism was assayed at 20 weeks of age (start of the laying), 36 weeks of age (the peak of the laying) and 68 weeks (the end of the laying period). A significant part of the ingested Ca was not absorbed. The percentage of Ca exonerated by feces was higher at the start of the laying and lowers in the peak of laying and at the end of the laying period. The amount of Ca exonerated as unabsorbed Ca increases as the amount of ingested Ca increases inside of each age level. It was found also an increase of the Ca content of the egg shell according the Ca intake statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) in 36- and 68-wk.-old hens, but not in 20-wk.-old hens. Blood plasma Ca showed significantly higher values in 3.38-, 4.16- and 4.60-g/day-Ca-intake groups when compared by 2.74-g/day-Ca-intake group (P &lt; 0.05) but the level of increasing showed lowest values in hen groups with highest intake of Ca. The daily eggshell Ca export strongly correlates with the amount of daily Ca intake in 36-wk.-old hens and 68-wk.-old hens: r = +0.72 and +0.84, respectively, but no correlation was found in 20-wk.-old hens (r = -0.74, negative correlation). The results showed a limited physiologic capacity of the Ca absorption in hen, the Ca surplus being lost. Dietary Ca level should be closely correlated with the laying level of hens.

True is more additive than apparent total tract digestibility of calcium in limestone and dicalcium phosphate for twenty-kilogram pigs fed semipurified diets.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the Ca digestibility of limestone and dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and if values for Ca digestibility are additive in mixed diets for pigs. In Exp. 1, 48 barrows with an average initial BW of 19.2 ± 1.1 kg were assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of 2 Ca sources, including limestone or DCP, and 3 dietary Ca concentrations of 0.54, 0.74, or 0.94%. Diets were fed for a 5-d adjustment period followed by a total collection period of 5 d with chromic oxide and ferric oxide as markers to determine the initiation and termination of fecal collection, respectively. Results indicated that the increased dietary Ca concentration linearly increased ( < 0.01) Ca intake, digested Ca, and retained Ca but did not affect the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of Ca or Ca retention of intake (%). The ATTD of P and P retention of intake were linearly increased ( < 0.05) as dietary Ca and P increased. In Exp. 2, 72 barrows with an average initial BW of 20.8 ± 1.3 kg were assigned to 1 of 9 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of 3 Ca sources, including limestone, DCP, or the mixture of the 2 at a ratio of 1:1, and dietary Ca concentrations of 0.40, 0.50, or 0.60%. Feeding and sample collection procedures were as in Exp. 1. The results also showed that increased Ca concentration linearly increased ( < 0.001) Ca intake, fecal Ca output, and Ca absorbed but did not affect the ATTD of Ca within each Ca source. The average ATTD were 66.46, 70.34, and 69.32% for the limestone, DCP, and mixed diets, respectively. By regressing daily digested Ca against daily Ca intake, the true total tract digestibility (TTTD) of Ca was determined to be 70.06, 76.42, and 73.72% for the limestone, DCP, and mixed diets, respectively. The predicted TTTD for Ca in the mixed diets of limestone and DCP was calculated to be 72.67% based on the Ca contribution coefficient of 0.59 for limestone and 0.41 for DCP. The predicted Ca TTTD (72.67%) in the mixed diets was not different from the Ca TTTD (73.72%) determined using the regression method. It is concluded that although the ATTD of limestone and DCP were not affected by the Ca concentration in the diet, TTTD is recommended for evaluation of Ca digestibility because of its additivity in a mixed diet.

Effect of different split-feeding treatments on performance, egg quality, and bone quality of individually housed aged laying hens.

In order to try to combat the effect of age on eggshell quality in aged laying hens, 5 split-feeding treatments were compared with conventional feeding between 75 and 92 wk of age. In the conventional treatment (T1), the same morning (M) and afternoon (A) diet was fed containing fine (FL) and coarse (CL) limestone at a 50:50 ratio. In the split treatments, the ratio of FL and CL was 50:50 or 30:70, and time of administration (M/A) differed. The following treatments were given: T2 = 50FL-M:50CL-A, T3 = 50CL-M:50FL-A, T4 = 30FL-M:20FL-A+50CL-A, T5 = 30FL-M:70CL-A, and T6 = 0M:30FL-A+70CL-A. A total of 12 individually housed Dekalb white hens was used per treatment. Feed intake, nutrient intake, and laying % was lower in T1 compared to all split treatments (P≤0.001). Due to this low performance in T1, split feeding could not be compared to the conventional system in this trial. By the end of the trial, eggshell quality was improved in T1 as a result of low laying % and more frequent and longer laying pauses. In the split treatments, laying % and feed intake were similar, except in T3 in which a decrease was observed after 81 wk (P≤0.05). Egg weight was higher in T5 and T6 due to higher total and morning protein intake compared to T3 (P≤0.05). Feeding only 50FL-A in T3 not only resulted in lower performance but also in consistently lower shell thickness, indicating a negative effect of suboptimal limestone supplementation. In the split-feeding system, the most optimal combination of morning and afternoon diet was a morning diet with only FL and an afternoon diet with only CL (T2), which both provided ∼50% of the total daily Ca intake. Shell breaking strength and dynamic stiffness could be maintained on this diet between 75 and 92 weeks. Decreasing the amount of Ca in the morning and increasing it in the afternoon did not improve shell quality traits. Bone quality was not affected by limestone particle size or inclusion level in the split-feeding system.

The effect of drinking water quality on the health and longevity of people-A case study in Mayang, Hunan Province, China

Drinking water is an important source for trace elements intake into human body. Thus, the drinking water quality has a great impact on people’s health and longevity. This study aims to study the relationship between drinking water quality and human health and longevity. A longevity county Mayang in Hunan province, China was chosen as the study area. The drinking water and hair of local centenarians were collected and analyzed the chemical composition. The drinking water is weak alkaline and rich in the essential trace elements. The daily intakes of Ca, Cu, Fe, Se, Sr from drinking water for residents in Mayang were much higher than the national average daily intake from beverage and water. There was a positive correlation between Ni and Pb in drinking water and Ni and Pb in hair. There were significant correlations between Cu, K in drinking water and Ba, Ca, Mg, Sr in the hair at the 0.01 level. The concentrations of Mg, Sr, Se in drinking water showed extremely significant positive relation with two centenarian index 100/80% and 100/90% correlation. Essential trace elements in drinking water can be an important factor for local health and longevity.

Nutritional status of calcium and other bone-related nutrients in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients

ObjectivesTraditional Japanese food appears to be healthy but contains a small amount of milk products. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients commonly reduce their energy intake to control their blood glucose levels. However, nutritional guidance for diabetes does not emphasize calcium (Ca) consumption. The aim of this study is to estimate the nutritional status of Ca and other nutrients, which affect bone and Ca metabolism, in T2DM patients. MethodsThis observational study was conducted with Japanese T2DM patients (n = 96; M/F = 50/46; age: 61.6 ± 10.1 years). We estimated nutrient intake using a simple food frequency questionnaire. ResultsMedian total energy intake was 1750 kcal/day (1440–1970). Their median daily intake of Ca, vitamin D, and vitamin K was 451 mg (336–560), 10.2 μg (8.5–12), and 206 μg (84–261), respectively. Only 17.7% of the study subjects were found to take more than 600 mg/day of Ca. Protein and salt intake was 78 (64–90) and 10.6 (9.3–12.2) g/day, respectively. Male subjects had more salt, less Ca and vitamin K than female. Daily Ca intake was positively associated with total energy, protein, and lipid intake but not with carbohydrates. Vitamin D intake correlated only with protein intake. ConclusionsThe daily Ca intake of Japanese T2DM patients appears to be insufficient and could depend on protein and lipid intake. Additionally, these patients should have specific recommendations to ensure sufficient intake of Ca with protein and lipid during energy restriction.

Essential and non-essential/toxic elements in rice available in the Portuguese and Spanish markets

Eighty-six rice samples, representing the most common rice brands sold in Portuguese and Spanish markets (either locally produced or imported), were analyzed for their content of 35 essential and non-essential/toxic elements using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean content of essential elements was: 1189mg/kg (P), 746mg/kg (K), 294mg/kg (Mg), 84.7mg/kg (Ca), 13.3mg/kg (Zn), 8.8mg/kg (Na), 8.3mg/kg (Mn), 7.5mg/kg (Fe), 1.9mg/kg (Cu), 0.55mg/kg (Mo), 0.18mg/kg (Se) and 0.12mg/kg (Co). However, significant differences exist between the different types of rice, with brown rice showing the highest content of most essential elements. The daily intake of essential elements resulting from the average Iberian (Portugal and Spain) per capita consumption of rice was calculated and its contribution to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) was estimated. Data showed that rice can be an important dietary source of P, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo and Se but does not significantly contribute to the daily dietary intake of Ca, Na and Fe. The content of toxic elements was very low, indicating that rice can be regarded as a very safe food.

Evaluation of daily intake for some elements of radiation protection concern by inhabitants of Greater Cairo Area, Egypt

Concentrations of K, Ca, U, Th, Cs, Sr, I, Al, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cr were determined in common foodstuffs consumed by adult inhabitants of Greater Cairo Area (GCA). Some of these elements have chemical and biological similarity to some of the radionuclides abundantly encountered during nuclear power production and therefore data on these elements could provide important information on their biokinetic behavior. A total of 120 samples were analyzed using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Highest contributions for the intake of micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) arise from broad bean, rice and wheat flour consumption. Meat, milk, eggs and some vegetables are the major sources of K, Ca, U, Th, Cs, Al, Cd and Pb intake. The medium daily intakes for the adult inhabitants of GCA from the analyzed elements were reported. The lower daily intake of Ca, Th, Cs and I by adult inhabitants of GCA could be due to significantly lower consumption of milk and milk products. The significantly lower intake of calcium by adult inhabitants of GCA may lead to higher uptake of radiostrontium and could result in perhaps higher internal radiation dose. The lower intake values obtained for thorium and uranium, which suggests that radiation dose from their ingestion at natural background levels, is likely to be lower than what may be concluded from International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) data. Concerning micronutrients, the recommended values of daily intake of Cu and Mn are conveniently supplied by diet; however, for Cr and Zn they are lower than the recommended daily allowance. Due to high metals concentrations and consumption rates, broad bean is the foodstuff that provided the highest ingestion rates of Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn, being therefore a very important source of micronutrients.

Essential element contents in food groups from the second Brazilian total diet study

Total diet study (TDS) has been considered as one of the most appropriate approaches to estimate dietary exposure of essential elements. This paper presents preliminary results of concentrations and average dietary daily intakes of Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Se and Zn from the 2nd Brazilian TDS. Nineteen groups from a Food List which represents the daily intake of the population from the Brazilian southeastern region were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The dietary daily intake values for Ca (641 mg), Fe (19.6 mg), K (2738 mg), Na (2466 mg), Se (56.4 µg), and Zn (15.3 mg) were higher than the 1st Brazilian TDS.

Monitoring of Urinary Calcium and Phosphorus Excretion in Preterm Infants

Premature babies require supplementation with calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) to prevent metabolic bone disease of prematurity. To guide mineral supplementation, 2 methods of monitoring urinary excretion of Ca and P are used: urinary Ca or P concentration and Ca/creatinine (Crea) or P/Crea ratios. We compare these 2 methods in regards to their agreement on the need for mineral supplementation. Retrospective chart review of 230 premature babies with birth weight <1500 g, undergoing screening of urinary spot samples from day 21 of life and fortnightly thereafter. Hypothetical cutoff values for urine Ca or P concentration (1 mmol/L) and urine Ca/Crea ratio (0.5 mol/mol) or P/Crea ratio (4 mol/mol) were applied to the sample results. The agreement on whether to supplement the respective minerals based on the results with the 2 methods was compared. Multivariate general linear models sought to identify patient characteristics to predict discordant results. A total of 24.8% of cases did not agree on the indication for Ca supplementation, and 8.8% for P. Total daily Ca intake was the only patient characteristic associated with discordant results. With the intention to supplement the respective mineral, comparison of urinary mineral concentration with mineral/Crea ratio is moderate for Ca and good for P. The results do not allow identifying superiority of either method on the decision as to which babies require Ca and/or P supplements.

Association of dietary calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium intake with caries status among schoolchildren

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between caries experience and daily intake of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and Ca/P ratio. A total of 2248 schoolchildren were recruited based on a population-based survey. Each participant received a dental examination and questionnaire interviews about the 24-hour dietary recalls and food frequency. The daily intake of Ca, P, Mg, and Ca/P ratio were inversely associated with primary caries index, but only the Ca/P ratio remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. According to the Taiwanese Dietary Reference Intakes, the Ca/P ratio was related to both caries in primary teeth (odds ratio = 0.52, p = 0.02) and in permanent teeth (odds ratio = 0.59, p = 0.02). The daily intakes of Ca/P ratio remained an important factor for caries after considering potential confounding factors.