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Stable isotopic measurement of endogenous fecal calcium excretion in children
S A Abrams1, J B Sidbury, J Muenzer
1Laboratory of Theoretical and Physical Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Insights
This study measured endogenous fecal calcium excretion (Vf) in children using stable isotopes. Results show Vf is lower than urinary calcium excretion in most children, aiding understanding of calcium metabolism development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Calcium Metabolism
- Stable Isotope Techniques
Background:
- Calcium is essential for bone health and development.
- Accurate measurement of calcium absorption and excretion is crucial in pediatric populations.
- Previous studies have reported varying calcium excretion values in different age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure endogenous fecal calcium excretion (Vf) in healthy children.
- To compare fecal and urinary calcium excretion in children.
- To provide data for understanding developmental changes in calcium metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a stable isotope technique with 42Ca administration via bolus injection.
- Measured endogenous fecal calcium excretion (Vf) in five healthy children (aged 3-14 years).
- Compared measured Vf with urinary calcium excretion (Vu).
Main Results:
- Endogenous fecal calcium excretion (Vf) averaged 1.4 +/- 0.4 mg/kg/day.
- Vf was lower than urinary calcium excretion (Vu) in four out of five children.
- Measured Vf values were consistent with those in healthy adults and lower than in premature infants.
Conclusions:
- Findings provide insights into developmental changes in calcium metabolism during childhood.
- Results can aid in interpreting dual tracer calcium isotope studies in pediatric research.
- Establishes reference values for endogenous fecal calcium excretion in healthy children.
Abstract:
Using a stable isotopic technique in which 42Ca was administered via a bolus injection, we measured endogenous fecal calcium excretion, Vf, in five healthy children, aged 3-14 years. The Vf averaged 1.4 +/- 0.4 mg/kg/day, and was lower than urinary Ca excretion (Vu) in four of the five children. These results for Vf are consistent with previously reported results for Vf in healthy adults and much lower than those reported in premature infants. These results may be useful in understanding developmental changes in Ca metabolism and in interpreting dual tracer Ca isotope studies in children.