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Integumentary loss of calcium
Abstract:
Integumentary calcium loss was studied in 16 healthy young men. The daily loss by the 16 ambulatory but relatively sedentary young men in 52 determinations of 6-day periods each was 8.7 +/- 1.9 mg/m2 per day (average 15.8 mg/man per day). The amount lost was not influenced by calcium intake (0.1 to 2.3 g/day). In contrast to urinary calcium excretion, which is directly related to protein intake, there was no significant change in integumentary calcium loss with varying protein intakes (1 to 96 g nitrogen per day). No compensatory relationship between urinary and integumentary calcium excretion was noted. During strenuous exercise calcium loss increased to an average of 25 mg in 40 min. There was no compensatory decrease in urinary excretion on the day of strenuous exercise. It was also noted that integumentary calcium loss was not affected by general calcium balance.
Insights
Daily integumentary calcium loss in young men averaged 8.7 mg/m2, unaffected by dietary calcium or protein. Strenuous exercise significantly increased skin calcium loss.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Calcium homeostasis is vital for numerous physiological processes.
- Understanding all routes of calcium loss, including integumentary, is crucial for metabolic balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify daily integumentary calcium loss in healthy young men.
- To investigate the influence of calcium intake, protein intake, and exercise on integumentary calcium loss.
Main Methods:
- Measured integumentary calcium loss over 6-day periods in 16 healthy young men.
- Varied dietary calcium (0.1-2.3 g/day) and protein (1-96 g N/day) intake.
- Assessed calcium loss during periods of strenuous exercise.
Main Results:
- Average daily integumentary calcium loss was 8.7 +/- 1.9 mg/m2.
- Calcium loss was not significantly affected by dietary calcium or protein intake.
- Strenuous exercise increased integumentary calcium loss to approximately 25 mg in 40 minutes.
- No compensatory decrease in urinary calcium excretion was observed following exercise.
- Integumentary calcium loss was independent of overall calcium balance.
Conclusions:
- Integumentary calcium loss represents a consistent daily loss pathway in young men.
- Dietary factors like calcium and protein intake do not modulate skin calcium loss under normal conditions.
- Physiological stress, such as strenuous exercise, can acutely increase integumentary calcium loss.