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Influence of calcium load on absorption fraction
R P Heaney1, C M Weaver, M L Fitzsimmons
1Center for Hard Tissue Research, Creighton University, Omaha, NE.
Summary
Calcium absorption decreases as intake increases in healthy women. Fractional absorption significantly drops from 64% at low loads to 28.6% at high calcium loads.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Calcium is essential for bone health and numerous physiological functions.
- Understanding calcium absorption dynamics is crucial for optimizing dietary and supplemental strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ingested calcium load size and true fractional calcium absorption in healthy adult women.
- To quantify the impact of varying calcium intake levels on absorption efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Healthy adult women participated in the study under controlled meal conditions.
- Calcium absorption was measured across a range of ingested calcium loads, from 15 mg to 500 mg.
Main Results:
- A strong inverse correlation was observed between the logarithm of the calcium load and fractional absorption (P < 0.001).
- Mean fractional absorption was 64.0% at the lowest loads and decreased to 28.6% at the highest loads.
- A best-fit relationship was established, allowing for calculation of absorption based on load size.
Conclusions:
- Calcium absorption efficiency is significantly reduced at higher ingested loads in healthy women.
- The established quantitative relationship can inform personalized calcium dosing and dietary recommendations.
- These findings have implications for managing calcium intake to maximize bioavailability and support bone health.