Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Adult lactose intolerance, calcium intake, bone metabolism and bone density in German-Turkish immigrants
Philipp Klemm1, Gabriel Dischereit2,3, Uwe Lange2
1Department of Rheumatology, Immunology, Osteology and Physical Medicine, Kerckhoff Medical Campus of the Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Benekestr. 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany. p.klemm@kerckhoff-klinik.de.
Introduction:
Adult lactose intolerance (ALI) significantly alters calcium intake and absorption, and thus may promote osteoporosis. ALI is a recessive condition with a geographical north-south gradient characterised by decreased levels of intestinal lactase. PCR-based genotyping of lactase (LCT) gene polymorphisms is a safe and easy way to diagnose ALI and may complement diagnostic procedures to identify individuals at risk for reduced calcium intake and subsequently osteoporosis due to lactose malabsorption. Therefore, we investigated the frequency of ALI and its influence on calcium intake, markers of bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in a cohort of Turkish immigrants living in Germany.
Materials And Methods:
We investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms of the LCT gene, calcium intake, markers of bone metabolism and BMD in 183 Turkish immigrants.
Results:
ALI was diagnosed in 154 out of 183 (81%) probands. ALI was significantly associated with self-reported lactose intolerance (p < 0.001) and dislike for dairy products (p < 0.01). Osteopenia was diagnosed in 59 out of 183 (32%) and osteoporosis in 15 out of 183 (8%) probands. Probands with reduced BMD had ALI in 86%. All probands had a decreased calcium intake [mg/week]. There was no significant association between ALI, calcium intake, markers of bone metabolism or BMD.
Conclusion:
Turkish immigrants mostly have ALI and overall show a reduced calcium intake per week. However, ALI did not significantly influence calcium intake, markers of bone metabolism or BMD in this cohort. Therefore, ALI in Turkish immigrants does not seem to be a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...