Nutrients intake, and serum calcium and phosphorus levels: An evidence-based study

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Dietary calcium and phosphorus are implicated in dyslipidemia and hypertension.
• Prevalence of hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia in an Iranian population was investigated.
• Association between nutrient intake and serum calcium/phosphorus levels was examined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia in an Iranian population.
• To investigate the association between dietary nutrient intake and serum calcium and phosphorus levels.

Main Methods:

• 908 individuals from the MASHHAD study were enrolled using stratified-cluster sampling.
• Dietplan6 software and food frequency questionnaires assessed nutrient intake.
• Univariate analysis evaluated dairy consumption's association with serum calcium and phosphorus.

Main Results:

• Mean dietary calcium intake was below recommended levels for both men and women.
• Serum calcium levels showed significant associations with dietary intakes of saturated fatty acids, copper, iodine, sucrose, potato, and juices.
• Serum phosphorus levels were significantly associated with chicken meat and fresh fruit intake; tea intake showed an inverse relationship with the calcium/phosphorus ratio.

Conclusions:

• Dietary calcium intake is insufficient in the studied Iranian population.
• Calcium intake is associated with various macro- and micronutrients.
• Further investigation into the clinical impact of calcium/phosphorus deficiency is warranted.