Status of calcium and vitamin D of different population groups in Austria

Vitamin D and calcium are essential for bone metabolism and the status of both nutrients is discussed in relation to osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related disorders. Thus, it is important to monitor the status of these nutrients in the population to early recognise insufficiences and to establish preventive measures. Intakes of calcium and vitamin D have been evaluated in different Austrian population groups (pre-school children, school children, adolescents, adults, elderly, pregnant and lactating women) by dietary records (3 d and 7 d weighed records, 24 h recalls). From pre-school children, school children, elderly, pregnant and lactating women fasting blood and spontaneous urine samples were collected and analysed on concentrations of calcium in serum and urine (adjusted to creatinine) and of 25-OH-cholecalciferol in serum. Average calcium intake (834 +/- 422 mg/d) below the specific recommended allowances of the according age group were found for 58% of the total population with the highest incidence of low supply in adolescents at 15-19 years of age and adults at 46-65 years of age. Vitamin D intakes (2.1 +/- 1.4 micrograms/d) were even lower with 68% of the total population being not able to meet the recommendations. Again, adolescents at 15-19 years showed the highest incidence of insufficient vitamin D intakes. Calcium concentrations in serum were satisfying for children and adolescents. Vitamin D status was found below the reference range (15 nmol/l) for 50% of all samples with the highest frequency in elderly people. Basing on the applied method for the determination of 25-OH-cholecalciferol concentrations a reference range for the Austrian population is suggested. The results show that low intakes of calcium and vitamin D lead to decreased status of these nutrients especially for adolescents, elderly, pregnant and lactating women, indicating the highest risk for the development of disorders of bone metabolism in these groups.