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Dietary protein and phosphorus do not affect calcium absorption.
1Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center, Omaha, NE 68131, USA. rheaney@creighton.edu
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|September 1, 2000
Summary
Calcium absorption efficiency varies significantly, but dietary phosphorus and protein do not influence this variability. This finding is crucial for understanding calcium balance and deficiency in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Human Physiology
- Metabolic Balance Studies
Background:
- Calcium balance is influenced more by absorption efficiency than intake.
- High phosphorus and protein diets in industrialized nations are suspected to reduce calcium absorption.
- This reduction may exacerbate calcium deficiency issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between phosphorus and protein intake and calcium absorption variability.
- To determine if dietary factors contribute to differing calcium absorption efficiencies.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 191 Roman Catholic nuns (mean age 48.7 years) over 20 years.
- Utilized a full metabolic balance regimen with chemically analyzed diets.
- Employed double-tracer measurements to quantify calcium absorption.
Main Results:
- Age, calcium intake, and estrogen status were associated with calcium absorption, as expected.
- No significant association was found between phosphorus intake and calcium absorption.
- No significant association was found between protein intake and calcium absorption.
Conclusions:
- Dietary phosphorus and protein intake do not explain the wide variability in calcium absorption efficiency.
- These findings challenge the hypothesis that high phosphorus and protein diets negatively impact calcium absorption.