Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
COMPLETE BALANCE STUDIES OF NITROGEN, SULPHUR, PHOSPHORUS, CALCIUM, AND MAGNESIUM IN INTESTINAL INFANTILISM
1Hospital of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
In two cases of infantilism, poor intestinal absorption of key nutrients like calcium and magnesium was observed. Despite low urinary excretion, these patients experienced a net loss of calcium, indicating significant malabsorption issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Infantilism is characterized by impaired growth and development.
- Malabsorption can significantly impact nutrient status in children.
- Understanding nutrient handling is crucial for managing growth disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nutrient absorption and excretion in two cases of infantilism.
- To elucidate the specific mechanisms of mineral malabsorption.
- To assess calcium balance in affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Case study of two patients with infantilism.
- Balance studies measuring intake and output of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
- Analysis of urinary and intestinal excretion of these elements.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited poor intestinal absorption of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
- Low urinary excretion of these minerals was noted.
- Calcium excretion in urine was negligible, but intestinal calcium excretion was increased, leading to a net calcium loss despite retention of other elements.
Conclusions:
- The cases highlight significant intestinal malabsorption as a contributing factor to infantilism.
- Increased intestinal loss of calcium, coupled with poor absorption, results in negative calcium balance.
- Further research into specific absorption defects is warranted for targeted therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Introduction to Electrolytes
In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
Role of Sodium
One...
Role of Sodium
One...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:30Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
01:26Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.