High Calcium Intake Research Articles

Genomic adaptation to small population size and saltwater consumption in the critically endangered Cat Ba langur

Many mammal species have declining populations, but the consequences of small population size on the genomic makeup of species remain largely unknown. We investigated the evolutionary history, genetic load and adaptive potential of the Cat Ba langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), a primate species endemic to Vietnam’s famous Ha Long Bay and with less than 100 living individuals one of the most threatened primates in the world. Using high-coverage whole genome data of four wild individuals, we revealed the Cat Ba langur as sister species to its conspecifics of the northern limestone langur clade and found no evidence for extensive secondary gene flow after their initial separation. Compared to other primates and mammals, the Cat Ba langur showed low levels of genetic diversity, long runs of homozygosity, high levels of inbreeding and an excess of deleterious mutations in homozygous state. On the other hand, genetic diversity has been maintained in protein-coding genes and on the gene-rich human chromosome 19 ortholog, suggesting that the Cat Ba langur retained most of its adaptive potential. The Cat Ba langur also exhibits several unique non-synonymous variants that are related to calcium and sodium metabolism, which may have improved adaptation to high calcium intake and saltwater consumption.

Relationships between minerals’ intake and blood homocysteine levels based on three machine learning methods: a large cross-sectional study

BackgroundBlood homocysteine (Hcy) level has become a sensitive indicator in predicting the development of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown an association between individual mineral intake and blood Hcy levels. The effect of mixed minerals’ intake on blood Hcy levels is unknown.MethodsData were obtained from the baseline survey data of the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank(SSACB) in 2016. A total of 38273 participants aged 20–74 years met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to calculate the intake of 10 minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, copper and manganese). Measuring the concentration of Hcy in the morning fasting blood sample. Traditional regression models were used to assess the relationship between individual minerals’ intake and blood Hcy levels. Three machine learning models (WQS, Qg-comp, and BKMR) were used to the relationship between mixed minerals’ intake and blood Hcy levels, distinguishing the individual effects of each mineral and determining their respective weights in the joint effect.ResultsTraditional regression model showed that higher intake of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese was associated with lower blood Hcy levels. Both Qg-comp and BKMR results consistently indicate that higher intake of mixed minerals is associated with lower blood Hcy levels. Calcium exhibits the highest weight in the joint effect in the WQS model. In Qg-comp, iron has the highest positive weight, while manganese has the highest negative weight. The BKMR results of the subsample after 10,000 iterations showed that except for sodium, all nine minerals had the high weights in the joint effect on the effect of blood Hcy levels.ConclusionOverall, higher mixed mineral’s intake was associated with lower blood Hcy levels, and each mineral contributed differently to the joint effect. Future studies are available to further explore the mechanisms underlying this association, and the potential impact of mixed minerals’ intake on other health indicators needs to be further investigated. These efforts will help provide additional insights to deepen our understanding of mixed minerals and their potential role in health maintenance.

Evaluation of the potential implications of following a vegan diet on bone health

Cow’s milk is the primary source of calcium in the NZ diet(1). The absence of dietary planning in a vegan diet can result in the individual unknowingly obtaining low intakes of calcium. Prolonged low calcium intakes can result in negative implications on bone mineral density by increasing the risk of osteoporosis later in life. The measurement of bone health parameters in NZ vegan adults have not been investigated. Therefore, we measured bone mineral density, markers of calcium homeostasis and assessed intake of essential nutrients for optimal bone health in vegans. This cross-sectional study included adults (>18yrs), who followed a vegan diet for 2 years minimum. Demographic and lifestyle information was obtained from questionnaires including previous history of bone fractures and background of familial osteoporosis. A 4-day food record was completed for analysis of calcium, zinc, protein, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C intake and compared to the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)(2). Weight, height and BMI were obtained, bone mineral density was measured at the hip and spine via dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and reported as Z and T scores. Plasma calcium concentrations were corrected for albumin. All values are presented as mean and standard deviation. The study included 212 participants, aged 39 ± 12.38 years, 71% female. T scores at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were −0.63 ± 1.22 (Z score: −0.29 ± 1.12) and −0.66 ± 1.00 (Z score: −0.24 ± 0.89), respectively. Nine participants had a Z-score of <-2.0 at the lumbar spine, and three at the femoral neck. Corrected calcium concentrations were 2.21 ± 0.33 mmol/L. Calcium intake was 917 ± 347.23 (range 195 to 2,429 mg/day) in all participants, which exceeded the EAR of 840 mg/day for adults aged 19-50 years. Men had higher intakes of calcium than women, 1,051 ± 363.7 mg/day (range 382 to 2,267 mg/day) vs. 867 ± 328.04 mg/day (range 194 to 2,428 mg/day), P-value <0.001. The main source of calcium in the vegan diet was tofu. The intake of protein (77 ± 27.80) g/day, magnesium (569 ± 181.05) mg/day, and vitamin C (145 ± 96.94) mg/day met the EAR, excluding vitamin and mineral supplements. However, the intake of phosphorus (1,472 ± 459.98) mg/day and zinc (10.6 ± 4.01) mg/day were below the EAR. The findings of this study suggest that bone health of vegans are not negatively affected by the exclusion of dairy in the diet, provided that appropriate dietary planning is included to avoid nutrient deficiencies associated with poor bone health. Despite mean intake of calcium exceeding the EAR, very low intakes demonstrated significant variations between participants.

Vascular and renal calcification as a consequence of high-dose calcium and vitamin D drugs

Calcium-containing drugs occupy an important place in the list of anti-osteoporotic agents. Their consumption, often in combination with high doses of vitamin D, has increased significantly over the last couple of decades. Cases of uncontrolled intake of the macronutrient have become more frequent. Aggressive advertising of high-dose calcium supplements with calciferol of foreign production on television played its role in this. Nowadays doctors of various specialties have to face more and more often the consequences of using such preparations. The article describes the mechanism of calcium deposits formation in vessels and kidneys against the background of calcium supplementation. The results of large-scale studies proving the close relationship between high intake of calcium and vitamin D with calcification of vessels, development of cardiovascular diseases and nephrolithiasis are presented. Doubts are raised about the validity and necessity of high-dose calcium supplements in the treatment of skeletal diseases. The possibilities of successful therapy of postmenopausal osteoporosis without the use of such agents are presented on the example of the preparation Osteo-Vit D3, which does not contain calcium and high doses of calciferol, but increases the mineral density of bone tissue and reduces the volume of calcificates in blood vessels and kidneys.

Beef Intake Is Associated with Higher Nutrient Intake and Nutrient Adequacy in U.S. Adolescents, NHANES 2001-2018.

Nutrient adequacy among adolescents is of concern due to higher nutrient requirements for their developing bodies as well as the gap between the current nutrient intake and the recommendations. The objective of this study was to determine beef intake and assess the relationship between beef consumption and nutrient intake and nutrient adequacy in male and female adolescents, 14-18 years of age. Dietary recalls collected during the What We Eat in America (WWEIA) portion of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2001-2018 were utilized to determine beef intake. Usual nutrient intakes were determined with the National Cancer Institute method in conjunction with day 1 and day 2 total nutrient files. Nutrient adequacy was assessed by calculating the percentage of the population below the estimated average requirement (EAR) or above the adequate intake (AI). The average beef intake of male and female adolescent beef consumers was 57.9 ± 2.4 and 46.8 ± 2.2 g with a 90th percentile of 82.3 ± 4.3 and 67.8 ± 3.5 g, respectively. Compared to non-consumers, beef consumers had a 10% or higher intake of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, total choline, vitamin B12, and zinc. Over 50% of the adolescent population (regardless of beef consumption) had intakes below the EAR for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. The percentage of the beef-consuming population below the EAR was lower for calcium, copper, folate, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6 as compared to non-consumers. Additionally, the portion of the population above the AI for sodium was higher in female beef consumers as compared to non-consumers. We estimate approximately 900,000 to 1,400,000, 400,000-700,000, 200,000-600,000, and 200,000-400,000 fewer adolescents to be below the EAR for zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and iron, respectively if beef non-consumers were to consume beef. This study suggests beef can help increase the nutrient intake and nutrient adequacy in the diets of adolescents, helping to close important gaps for this nutritionally vulnerable population. While recommendations to reduce beef intake are widely prevalent, this could result in unintended nutritional consequences regarding under-consumed nutrients including those of public health concern important for adolescent health.

Vitamin D status and 12-year mortality risk after myocardial infarction

Abstract Introduction Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in healthy populations. Whether this association is also present in patients with established CVD is not yet clear. Purpose We examined the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] as an indicator of vitamin D status with 12-year risk of CVD and all-cause mortality in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Methods A prospective analysis was carried out in 4,479 Dutch patients from the Alpha Omega Cohort (aged 60-80 y) who had an MI ≤10 y prior to study enrolment. Non-fasting venous blood was sampled at baseline (2002-2006) for the assessment of 25(OH)D using LC-MS/MS. Patients were followed for cause-specific mortality through December 2018. Hazard ratios (HRs) for CVD and all-cause mortality were obtained in sex-specific 25(OH)D tertiles using Cox regression models, adjusted for age, education, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol intake, adherence to dietary guidelines (i.e. 2015 Dutch Healthy Diet index [DHD15]), prevalent diabetes and kidney function (eGFR). Restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis was performed for continuous associations, using median 25(OH)D as the reference. Results Patients were 69.0 ± 5.6 y old, 78% was male, 17% were current smokers, 18% had diabetes and 8% used vitamin-D containing supplements. A total of 2,091 deaths occurred during a median follow-up period of 12.4 y (49,529 person-years), including 924 from CVD as a primary or contributing cause. Median 25(OH)D was 21.3 ng/mL, and tertile cut-offs were 18.3 and 26.2 ng/mL for males and 15.2 and 22.0 ng/mL for females. Of the cohort, 44% were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL). Lower risks of CVD mortality were observed in the mid tertile (HR: 0.76, 95%CI:0.65-0.88) and upper tertile (HR: 0.67, 95%CI:0.57-0.79) of 25(OH)D, compared to the lower tertile. RCS showed a roughly linear association (P-non-linearity = 0.08), with a 11% lower risk of CVD mortality per 5 ng/mL-increment in 25(OH)D (HR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.86-0.93). Inverse associations were more pronounced in patients with a higher calcium intake (>845 g/d; 0.87, 95%CI:0.96-0.98; per 5 ng/mL) and in patients who were more physically active (HR: 0.88, 95%CI: 0.83-0.93; per 5 ng/mL). Exclusion of 378 vitamin D supplement users did not materially change the associations. For all-cause mortality, multivariable HRs were 0.74 (95%CI: 0.67-0.82) in the mid tertile, and 0.65 (95%CI: 0.58-0.73) in the upper tertile, compared to the lower tertile. Conclusion A low vitamin D serum concentration is related to a higher risk of recurrent CVD and all-cause mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Causality remains to be determined preferably in a clinical trial to evaluate the effect of oral suppletion of vitamin D on recurrent CVD and mortality risk in these patients.

Gene therapy for alopecia in type II rickets model rats using vitamin D receptor-expressing adenovirus vector

Type II rickets is a hereditary disease caused by a mutation in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. The main symptoms of this disease are bone dysplasia and alopecia. Bone dysplasia can be ameliorated by high calcium intake; however, there is no suitable treatment for alopecia. In this study, we verified whether gene therapy using an adenoviral vector (AdV) had a therapeutic effect on alopecia in Vdr-KO rats. The VDR-expressing AdV was injected into six 7-week-old female Vdr-KO rats (VDR-AdV rats). On the other hand, control-AdV was injected into 7-week-old female rats (control-AdV rats); non-infected Vdr-KO rats (control rats) were also examined. The hair on the backs of the rats was shaved with hair clippers, and VDR-AdV or control-AdV was intradermally injected. Part of the back skin was collected from each rat after AdV administration. Hair follicles were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and VDR expression was examined using immunostaining and western blotting. VDR-AdV rats showed significant VDR expression in the skin, enhanced hair growth, and low cyst formation, whereas control-AdV and non-infected rats did not show any of these effects. The effect of VDR-AdV lasted for nearly 60 days. These results indicate that gene therapy using VDR-AdV may be useful to treat alopecia associated with type II rickets, if multiple injections are possible after a sufficient period of time.

Calcium food sources in primary school children with low calcium intakes in Kuala Lumpur.

Background: Adequate calcium intake at an early age is crucial to achieving peak bone mass. Nevertheless, low calcium intake is common in Malaysian children. Aim: This study examined the calcium food sources and factors associated with low calcium intake among 243 children aged 9-11 years in Kuala Lumpur. Methods: Diet histories and bone density were measured. Results: The mean calcium intake was 370 ± 187 mg/day. The main contributors to calcium intake were beverages (19.2%), cereal (18.6%), milk and dairy (13.0%), meat and poultry (12.9%), and fish and seafood (10.1%). Within each food group, calcium-contributing foods tend to be from low bioavailability sources such as rice, cocoa-based and malted drinks, and chicken rather than milk. Children who practised regular meals, ate breakfast and snacks and consumed milk more than one serving daily have a higher calcium intake. Conclusion: In conclusion, public health strategies to improve the status of low calcium intake and poor choices of calcium-rich foods are needed to optimise bone health in this population.

Relationship between diet quality and biochemical profile in Brazilian overweight pregnant women

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the Adapted Diet Quality Index for Pregnant Women (IQDAG) and the biochemical profile of overweight pregnant adult women. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, using baseline data from a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted with 239 pregnant women in Brazil. The usual diet was obtained through two dietary recalls and the Multiple Source Method. Diet quality was assessed using the IQDAG, which has nine components: eight for adequacy and one for moderation. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triacylglycerols, and C-reactive protein were measured to evaluate the biochemical profile. Adjusted linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between the score of the IQDAG (and its components) and the biochemical profile. The significance level considered was P ≤ 0.05. ResultsThe mean index score was 75.4 points. An inverse association was observed between the consumption of legumes and total cholesterol level (β = –4.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], –9.16 to –0.35; P = 0.03) and low-density lipoprotein (β = –4.13; 95% CI, –7.56 to –0.69; P = 0.02), and a direct association between calcium intake and total cholesterol (β = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.002–0.41; P = 0.03). No other associations were observed between the investigated variables. ConclusionsThe data from the present study suggest that higher consumption of legumes is associated with lower levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. A higher intake of calcium was directly associated with total cholesterol . Further research is required to fully understand how diet quality affects pregnant women's biochemical profiles and what that means for the health of the mother and the fetus.

Association between dietary minerals and glioma: A case-control study based on Chinese population.

As one of the essential nutrients for the human body, minerals participate in various physiological activities of the body and are closely related to many cancers. However, the population study on glioma is not sufficient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between five dietary minerals and glioma. A total of 506 adult patients with glioma and 506 healthy controls were matched 1:1 according to age (±5 years) and sex. The food intake of the subjects in the past year was collected through the food frequency questionnaire, and the intakes of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper in the diet were calculated. The logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for dietary minerals to gliomas. After adjusting for confounders, higher intakes of calcium (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.57-0.74), magnesium (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.11-0.29), iron (OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.02-0.11), zinc (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.54-0.73), and copper (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.13-0.39) were associated with a significantly decreased risk of glioma. Similar results were observed in gliomas of different pathological types and pathological grades. The restriction cubic spline function suggested significant linear dose-response relationships between intakes of five minerals and the risk of glioma. When the dietary minerals exceeded a particular intake, the risk of glioma stabilized. Our study suggests that higher dietary intakes of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper are associated with a decreased risk of glioma. However, the results of this study require further exploration of potential mechanisms in the future better to elucidate the effects of mineral intake on gliomas.

Associations of Plasma 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D and Dietary Vitamin D Intake with Insulin Resistance in Healthy Japanese Women.

We investigated the associations of plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and the dietary intake of vitamin D with insulin resistance in Japanese women. Study participants were 406 Japanese women attended a health examination. They were not taking hormones or medications for diabetes and had no history of cancer, ischemic heart disease, or stroke. Information regarding medical history and lifestyle factors was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire, while hours of sun exposure were determined through interviews. Dietary intake of vitamin D was evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores were calculated based on homeostasis model assessment. Women with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D<20 ng/mL) had significantly higher fasting plasma insulin concentration and HOMA-IR than did the other women. Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was significantly and inversely associated with fasting plasma insulin level and HOMA-IR after controlling for age, season, menopausal status, BMI, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical exercise, and intakes of fat and calcium. Dietary vitamin D intake was not associated with HOMA-IR concentration after adjusting for these covariates and hours of sun exposure. Although significant inverse association between plasma 25(OH)D concentration and HOMA-IR was observed in women with a low BMI, low fat intake, or a high calcium intake, the interaction terms were not statistically significant. Data suggest that plasma vitamin D, but not dietary vitamin D, is inversely associated with fasting plasma insulin concentration and HOMA-IR in non-diabetic Japanese women.

Abstract P210: Dietary Calcium and Phosphorus Intakes at Middle Age and Their Associations With Vascular Calcification at Older Age: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background: High dietary calcium and phosphorus intakes may accelerate vascular calcification. A few studies have explored the association of dietary calcium and phosphorus intakes with vascular calcification but reported inconsistent results. Most studies relied on dietary assessment at one time point and evaluated only coronary artery calcification. Aim: To assess the associations of dietary calcium and phosphorus intakes over two time points during middle age with coronary artery and extra-coronary calcification at older age. Methods: We studied 1,940 ARIC participants who underwent chest CT scans at ≥75 years of age in 2018-19 and completed a 66-item food frequency questionnaire at two earlier visits (1987-89 and 1993-95). We calculated the average of dietary calcium and phosphorus intakes across these two visits. Calcification was quantified as Agatston score in coronary arteries, ascending aorta, descending aorta, aortic valve ring, aortic valve, and mitral valve. We ran multivariable linear (for continuous Agatston score) and logistic regression models (for Agatston score &gt;75 th percentile). Results: The mean dietary calcium and phosphorus intake was 659 mg/day and 1,074 mg/day, respectively. Overall, we did not observe any positive associations of dietary calcium intake with vascular/valvular calcification. Rather, we saw its inverse association with ascending aorta calcification (Figure). In contrast, dietary phosphorus was not associated with the calcification of any vascular beds. The results were largely similar in linear regression models and after excluding 332 participants (17%) taking calcium supplements. Conclusion: Dietary calcium intake at middle age was largely neutral in its association with vascular calcification while showing a mild inverse association with ascending aorta calcification at older age. No evident associations were seen for dietary phosphorus. Our findings do not support a concern that a calcium or phosphorus-rich diet may accelerate vascular calcification.

Vitamin D intake and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Japanese men and women: the Japan Public Health Center-based prospective study

While higher circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations have been reported to be associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality, evidence on dietary vitamin D intake is limited and inconsistent. We investigated whether vitamin D intake is associated with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Japanese adults. Participants were 42,992 men and 50,693 women who responded to the second survey of the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study (1995–1998) and who were followed up for mortality through 2018. Dietary intake was ascertained using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios of deaths from the second survey to December 2018 were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. During follow-up, we identified 22,630 deaths. Overall, the third and fourth quintiles, but not the highest quintile, of vitamin D intake were each associated with a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality. In subgroups characterized by low sunlight exposure, risk of all-cause mortality decreased linearly with increasing vitamin D intake. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of all-cause mortality for the highest versus lowest quintile of vitamin D intake were 0.87 (0.79–0.95) in women and 0.88 (0.79–0.97) in residents of higher latitude areas. Lower risk was also observed for all-cause mortality in participants with hypertension and for heart disease mortality in those with higher calcium intake. Higher vitamin D intake was associated with decreased risk of ischemic stroke and pneumonia mortality. Higher dietary vitamin D was associated with a lower risk of mortality among individuals with low sunlight exposure or hypertension. Individuals with potentially low vitamin D may benefit from increasing dietary vitamin D intake for the prevention of premature death.

Total calcium, dairy foods and risk of colorectal cancer: a prospective cohort study of younger US women.

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is declining among adults aged ≥65 years, CRC incidence in younger adults has been rising. The protective role of calcium in colorectal carcinogenesis has been well established, but evidence is lacking on whether the association varies by age at diagnosis. We investigated the association between total calcium intake and risk of overall CRC and CRC before age 55 years. In the Nurses' Health Study II (1991-2015), 94 205 women aged 25-42 years at baseline were included in the analysis. Diet was assessed every 4 years through validated food frequency questionnaires. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for CRC were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. We documented 349 incident CRC cases during 2 202 604 person-years of follow-up. Higher total calcium intake was associated with a reduced risk of CRC. Compared with those with <750 mg/day of total calcium intake, the HR of CRC was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.38-0.97) for those who consumed ≥1500 mg/day (P for trend = 0.01). The HR per 300 mg/day increase was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76-0.95). There was a suggestive inverse association between total calcium intake and CRC before age 55 years (HR per 300 mg/day increase, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.75-1.00), suggesting the importance of calcium intake in the younger population. In a cohort of younger women, which reflects the birth cohorts, time periods and age ranges paralleling the recent rise in CRC, higher calcium intake was associated with a decreased risk of CRC.

Positive association of lean mass and negative association of protein intake on bone mass and bone geometry of adolescent soccer players

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association of food consumption and body composition on bone parameters in adolescent soccer players. MethodsThere were 148 male soccer players 12 to 18 y who participated in the study. Body composition was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, comprising bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of total body without head (TBLH), lumbar spine (L1-L4), and right femoral neck (RFN). The bone geometry variables measured were femoral strength index (FSI), buckling ratio (BR), section modulus (Z), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), and cross-sectional area (CSA). Food intake was analyzed using the 24-h food recall. Somatic maturation was estimated by the peak height velocity equation. For the statistical analysis, the stepwise multiple linear regression was used, with P < 0.05. ResultsRegarding food consumption, there was a high protein intake and low calcium intake. Lean mass was a predictor of BMC of TBLH (R2 = 0.524), L1-L4 (R2 = 0.492), and RFN (R2 = 0.405); BMD of L1-L4 (R2 = 0.407) and RFN (R2 = 0.27); Z (R2 = 0.683), CSMI (R2 = 0.630), and CSA (R2 = 0.640). There was a negative correlation between protein intake with bone mass and bone geometry parameters. ConclusionIn adolescent soccer players, lean mass was a predictor of bone parameters, and high protein intake was negatively associated with bone mass and geometry.

Improving Calcium Status of Women: Results of a Study of Bio-Availability of Calcium From Slaked Lime Fortified Rice.

Fortification of rice with slaked lime is an acceptable and inexpensive way to combat calcium (Ca) deficiency. However, bioavailability of calcium after intake of slaked lime fortified rice is yet to be investigated. To measure the fractional absorption of Ca (FAC) from slaked lime fortified cooked rice. We conducted an experimental study using stable isotopes of Ca to measure FAC during a single morning test meal containing rice fortified with slaked lime. Participants (n = 22) were given slaked lime fortified rice 3 times a day for 4 days. On the morning of the fifth day, the participants were served the same amount of rice as previous the 4 days at the breakfast test meal with an accurately measured amount of 44Ca stable isotope oral tracer followed by an intravenous injection of 42Ca. Urine was collected over the next 24 hours in 3 consecutive 8-hour pools. Fractional absorption of Ca was calculated from the measurement of the relative enrichment of the of each administered tracer 44Ca and 42Ca using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mean Ca concentration in the test meal was 879.5 ± 152.9 µg/g with a coefficient of variance (CV) of 17.2%. Although Ca absorption efficiency decreases with higher calcium intake, the total amount of calcium absorbed from test meal using FAC = 0.391 calculated from the third 8-hour urine pool was 69.0 (CV of 15.6) mg. We showed that one-fifth of daily calcium recommendation for women of reproductive age could be met by ingesting ∼200 g cooked slake fortified rice.

Osteopenia of prematurity and associated nutritional factors: case–control study

BackgroundPreterm newborn nutrition affects postnatal skeletal growth and bone mineralization, but studies have not yet fully concluded the relationship between nutrition and osteopenia. This study was intended to investigate the impact of nutritional factors on osteopenia in preterm newborns.MethodsThis is a case–control study with babies born with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks in a high-risk maternity hospital, between 2018 and 2019. The population consisted of 115 newborns, being 46 cases (40%) and 69 controls (60%). Disease outcome was based on serum alkaline phosphatase levels > 900UL/l and hypophosphatemia < 4 mg/dl. Gestational data at birth and clinical and nutritional follow-up data during 8 weeks postnatally were assessed. Variables were assessed using regressive logistic models.FindingsPreterm infants who were fed pasteurized fresh human milk with acidity ≥ 4 ºDornic are 5.36 times more likely to develop osteopenia (p = 0.035). Higher calcium intake, compared to controls, also increased the probability of disease occurrence [OR 1.05 (CI 1.006–1.1); p = 0.025], while the presence of a partner [OR 0.10 (CI 0.02–0.59); p = 0.038] and the shortest time using sedatives [OR 0.89 (CI 0.83–0.98); p = 0.010] were protective factors associated with osteopenia. Extremely low birth weight [OR 5.49 (CI 1.20–25.1); p = 0.028], sepsis [OR 5.71 (CI 1.35–24.2); p = 0.018] and invasive ventilatory support [OR 1.09 (CI 1.03–1.18); p = 0.007] were risk factors.ConclusionsAcidity and high calcium intake are the main nutritional factors associated with osteopenia of prematurity. Further studies on the use of human milk with lower acidity, recommendation and nutritional supplementation of calcium should be accomplished to guide prevention strategies in newborns at risk for osteopenia during hospital stay.

Mucosal expression of Ca and P transporters and claudins in the small intestine of broilers is altered by dietary Ca:P in a limestone particle size dependent manner.

High calcium (Ca) intake and fine limestone reduces precaecal phosphorus (P) absorption independently of P solubility in broilers. This study aimed to determine whether dietary total Ca: total P ratio (Ca:P) and limestone particle size (LPS) affect gene expression of P transporters in the small intestine. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens received diets low (0.50), medium (1.00) or high (1.75) in Ca:P containing either fine (160 μm) or coarse (1062 μm) limestone, in a 3×2 factorial arrangement. Expression of Ca- and P-related genes were determined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in duodenum and jejunum. Increasing dietary Ca:P decreased duodenal calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), calbindin-D28k (CaBP-D28k), plasma membrane Ca-ATPase 1 (PMCA1) and sodium-coupled P cotransporter type IIb (NaPi-IIb), but not transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) mRNA. This effect was greater with fine limestone when Ca:P increased from low to medium, but greater with coarse limestone when increased from medium to high. A similar inhibitory effect was observed for jejunal CaBP-D28k expression where increasing dietary Ca:P and fine limestone decreased CaSR mRNA, while dietary Ca:P decreased TRPC1 mRNA only for coarse limestone. It also decreased jejunal NaPi-IIb mRNA irrespective of LPS. Dietary treatments did not affect jejunal PMCA1 mRNA expression or that of inorganic phosphate transporter 1 and 2 and xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1 in both intestinal segments. Dietary Ca increase reduced mucosal claudin-2 mRNA in both segments, and jejunal zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) mRNA only for coarse limestone. In conclusion, increasing dietary Ca:P reduced expression of duodenal P transporters (NaPi-IIb) in a LPS dependent manner, hence Ca induced reduction in intestinal P absorption is mediated by decreasing P transporters expression. Dietary Ca reduces Ca digestibility by downregulating mRNA expression of both Ca permeable claudin-2 and Ca transporters (CaBP-D28k, PMCA1).

Evaluating macro- and micronutrients and food groups intake with the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease: Is there any association?

Growing clinical evidence represented that certain dietary components are involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) development and progression. This research, therefore, aimed to evaluate whether there exists any relationship between nutrients and IBD. This case-control study from 2017 to 2019 was performed on 145 newly diagnosed IBD patients and 145 BMI-, sex-, and age-matched healthy controls who were recruited from a hospital clinic. A validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire was completed by each participant. Anthropometric measurements and physical activity levels were measured for all participants. Stata software was used to analyze all data. Of the 234 study individuals who participated, 112 were IBD patients and 122 were healthy people. The higher amount of seafood and cholesterol was related to an increased risk of IBD and ulcerative colitis development; however, individuals who had a higher intake of calcium were less likely to have Crohn's compared to the healthy group. There was a positive relation between honey and jam, seafood, organ meats, salt, fruits on trees, fruit juice, olives, and nuts and the probability of IBD, but there was a negative association between refined grains, potatoes, salty snacks, legumes, dairy, and cruciferous and the probability of IBD. Higher consumption of seafood and cholesterol was positively connected with a higher risk of IBD development in the current case-control study. A substantial association was seen between honey and jam, seafood, organmeats, salt, fruit on trees, fruit juice, olives, and nut consumption and IBD developement.

Association of Albumin-Corrected Serum Calcium Levels with Colorectal Cancer Survival Outcomes.

In epidemiological studies, higher calcium intake has been associated with decreased colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence. However, whether circulating calcium concentrations are associated with CRC prognosis is largely unknown. In this retrospective cohort analysis, we identified 498 patients diagnosed with stage I–IV CRC between the years of 2000 and 2018 in whom calcium and albumin level measurements within 3 months of diagnosis had been taken. We used the Kaplan–Meier method for survival analysis. We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression to identify associations between corrected calcium levels and CRC survival outcomes. Corrected calcium levels in the highest tertile were associated with significantly lower progression-free survival rates (hazard ratio (HR) 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–2.69; p = 0.001) and overall survival (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.26–2.74, p = 0.002) in patients with stage IV or recurrent CRC, and significantly lower disease-free survival rates (HR 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.03; p = 0.040) and overall survival rates (HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.18–2.50; p = 0.004) in patients with stage I–III disease. In conclusion, higher corrected calcium levels after the diagnosis of CRC were significantly associated with decreased survival rates. Prospective trials are necessary to confirm this association.