Multiple sources of dietary calcium-some aspects of its essentiality

Harmony in Motion: Unraveling the Nexus of Sports, Plant-Based Nutrition, and Antioxidants for Peak Performance

The intricate interplay between plant-based nutrition, antioxidants, and their impact on athletic performance forms the cornerstone of this comprehensive review. Emphasizing the pivotal importance of dietary choices in the realm of sports, this paper sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of how stress and physical performance are interconnected through the lens of nutrition. The increasing interest among athletes in plant-based diets presents an opportunity with benefits for health, performance, and recovery. It is essential to investigate the connection between sports, plants, and antioxidants. Highlighting the impact of nutrition on recovery and well-being, this review emphasizes how antioxidants can help mitigate oxidative stress. Furthermore, it discusses the growing popularity of plant-based diets among athletes. It elaborates on the importance of antioxidants in combating radicals addressing stress levels while promoting cellular health. By identifying rich foods, it emphasizes the role of a balanced diet in ensuring sufficient intake of these beneficial compounds. Examining stress within the context of sports activities, this review provides insights into its mechanisms and its impact on athletic performance as well as recovery processes. This study explores the impact of plant-based diets on athletes including their types, potential advantages and challenges. It also addresses the drawbacks of relying on plant-based diets, concerns related to antioxidant supplementation and identifies areas where further research is needed. Furthermore, the review suggests directions for research and potential innovations in sports nutrition. Ultimately it brings together the aspects of sports, plant-based nutrition, and antioxidants to provide a perspective for athletes, researchers and practitioners. By consolidating existing knowledge, it offers insights that can pave the way for advancements in the ever-evolving field of sports nutrition.

Serum calcium and magnesium were inversely associated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein in Chinese adults with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Scarce data examined the associations of circulating calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in humans. We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study to evaluate the associations of serum Ca, Mg, and Ca/Mg ratio with hsCRP and examine the mediating roles of body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

A total of 7203 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (average age: 61.0 years) were included. Serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, and hsCRP were measured.

RESULTS

The multivariate analysis of covariance was used to determine Ca- and Mg-hsCRP associations. Serum Ca and Mg were inversely associated with hsCRP, while no significant association between Ca/Mg ratio and hsCRP was detected. After adjustment for age and sex, higher Ca and Mg concentrations were associated with lower hsCRP (quintile5 [Q5] vs. Q1: 6.35 vs. 11.88 mmol/L for Ca; Q4 vs. Q1: 4.61 vs. 6.44 mmol/L for Mg). The multivariate-adjusted analysis found that serum Ca and Mg were inversely associated with hsCRP levels (Q5 vs. Q1: 6.69 vs. 11.33 mmol/L for Ca; Q4 vs. Q1: 4.65 vs. 6.32 mmol/L for Mg). Similar findings were observed in the stratified analyses by sex (men and women) and BMI (< 28 and ≥ 28 kg/m²). In path analysis, BMI had no mediating effects on the Ca- or Mg-hsCRP associations.

CONCLUSION

Generally, our study showed significant inverse associations of serum Ca and Mg with hsCRP in CAD patients. Our findings provided further support for the anti-inflammatory effects of Ca and Mg in CAD patients.

Bioavailability of Micronutrients From Nutrient-Dense Whole Foods: Zooming in on Dairy, Vegetables, and Fruits

In order to fully exploit the nutrient density concept, thorough understanding of the biological activity of single nutrients in their interaction with other nutrients and food components from whole foods is important. This review provides a narrative overview of recent insights into nutrient bioavailability from complex foods in humans, highlighting synergistic and antagonistic processes among food components for two different food groups, i.e., dairy, and vegetables and fruits. For dairy, bioavailability of vitamins A, B2, B12 and K, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and iodine are discussed, whereas bioavailability of pro-vitamin A, folate, vitamin C and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron are discussed for vegetables and fruits. Although the bioavailability of some nutrients is fairly well-understood, for other nutrients the scientific understanding of uptake, absorption, and bioavailability in humans is still at a nascent stage. Understanding the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients from whole foods in interaction with food components that influence these processes will help to come to individual diet scores that better reflect absorbable nutrient intake in epidemiologic studies that relate dietary intake to health outcomes. Moreover, such knowledge may help in the design of foods, meals, and diets that aid in the supply of bioavailable nutrients to specific target groups.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis among treatment-experienced people living with HIV

Introduction

Life expectancy of people living with human immunodeficiency (PLHIV) has increased mainly due to the accessibility and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, adverse effects from long-term use of antiretrovirals, and the physiological changes associated with aging, may compromise the quality of life of PLHIV, in addition to causing new demands on the healthcare system.

Objectives

Estimate the frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia in patients on prolonged ART and to verify their associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from August 2017 to June 2018, in a sample of PLHIV (age ≥ 18 years) who started ART between 2001 and 2005. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, physical evaluation, laboratory tests, and Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Screening (DEXA). The outcome of interest was presence of bone alteration, defined as presence of osteopenia or osteoporosis in DEXA. The association between the explanatory variables and the event was assessed through odds ratio (OR) estimate, with 95% confidence interval (CI). Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate factors independently associated with bone alteration.

Results

Among 92 participants, 47.8% presented bone alteration (19.6% osteoporosis and 28.2% osteopenia). The variables that remained in the final logistic regression model were age ≥ 50 years (OR: 12.53; 95% CI: 4.37–35.90) and current alcohol use (OR: 2.63; 95% CI: 0.94–7.37).

Conclusions

This study showed a high frequency of bone changes, especially in PLHIV older than 50 years. This information is useful to stimulate the screening and timely intervention of this comorbidity of PLHIV on prolonged use of ART in order to prevent or minimize complications and new demands on the healthcare system.

Dietary calcium intake is associated with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in the general Japanese population

The beneficial effects of dietary calcium intake on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, a risk factor of cardiovascular disease, have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the associations between dietary calcium intake and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in the general Japanese population. We analyzed the data of 2,019 subjects (1,194 men and 825 women) aged 35 to 69 years in a cross-sectional study of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. Nutrients intake including calcium were estimated using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Analysis using a general linear model revealed that dietary calcium intake was inversely associated with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (p for trend <0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, research group, leisure-time physical activity, smoking habit, drinking habit, dietary intakes (energy, dietary fiber, saturated fatty acids and vitamin D) and menopausal status. The association was slightly attenuated after additional adjustment for body mass index; however, remained significant (p for trend = 0.008). There were no significant interactions between dietary calcium intakes and sex, body mass index, or vitamin D intake for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. This study have demonstrated that dietary calcium intake was inversely associated with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in the general population.

Note: Stability of Calcium Bioaccessibility and Sensory Parameters During the Storage of Fortified Juices

Changes in calcium bioaccessibility and sensory attributes of four different calcium compounds (calcium hydroxide lactate, emulsified calcium triphosphate, calcium pidolate and calcium amino acid chelate) added to a citric juice were studied at 0, 6 and 12 months of storage. Type of calcium compound showed significant differences ( p 0.05) in calcium bioaccessibility at the three periods of the study. The maximum value at month 0 and month 6 corresponded to the calcium amino acid chelate (45.09±0.59%) followed by calcium pidolate (38.09±0.28%), calcium lactate (32.4±2.17%) and calcium triphosphate (31.21±4.43%). There were no changes in calcium bioaccessibility through time of storage in any juice added with the different calcium salts, however organoleptic changes were critical in the most available samples at month 6. According to these results three of the salts (calcium hydroxide lactate, calcium pidolate and calcium triphosphate) were equally valid for adding to a citric fruit juice for up to 12 months of storage.

Calcium in Gluten-Free Life: Health-Related and Nutritional Implications

Calcium deficiency and metabolic bone diseases are a frequent co-morbidity of coeliac disease (CD). Gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only effective treatment of CD. However, CD patients on the strict GFD consume less than the recommended amounts of calcium. In this review, the main etiological factors responsible for calcium deficiency in CD were presented. Additionally, the research on the application of calcium supplements in the gluten-free breadmaking was reviewed, and its effect on the technological and sensory properties of baked products was indicated. Calcium-fortified gluten-free products could increase the calcium content in the diet of CD patients, supplying the amount of calcium they need for prophylactic or therapeutic use. Apart from this, the consumption of the naturally GF products as well as functional ingredients beneficially affecting calcium absorption need to be encouraged.

Calcium biofortification and bioaccessibility in soilless "baby leaf" vegetable production

Calcium is an essential nutrient for human health, because it is a structural component and takes part in a variety of biological processes. The aim of this study was to increase Ca content of baby leaf vegetables (BLV: basil, mizuna, tatsoi and endive), as fresh-cut products. For the production of biofortified BLV, a floating system with two level of Ca (100 and 200mgL(-1)) in the nutrient solution was used. In addition, the assessment of bioaccessibility of Ca, by in vitro digestion process, was performed. In all vegetables, the Ca biofortification (200mgL(-1)) caused a significant Ca enrichment (9.5% on average) without affecting vegetables growth, oxalate contents and marketable quality. Calcium bioaccessibility ranged from 25% (basil) to 40% (endive) but the biofortified vegetables showed more bioaccessible Ca. These results underline the possibility to obtain Ca biofortified BLV by using agronomic approaches.

Pathologic bone alterations in celiac disease: etiology, epidemiology, and treatment

Low bone mineral density (BMD), osteopenia, and osteoporosis are frequent complications of celiac disease (CD). The etiology of pathologic bone alterations in CD is multifactorial; however, two main mechanisms are involved: intestinal malabsorption and chronic inflammation. A strict gluten-free diet (GFD) is thought to be the only effective treatment for CD; but treating bone complications related to CD remains complex. The objective of this review is to elucidate the bones problems related to CD and to increase awareness of osteoporosis development, considered as a sign of atypical CD presentation. Currently, a question of whether GFD alone is an effective treatment to correct the bone alterations in patients with CD is under debate. This review presents factors contributing to pathologic bone derangement, recent research on the epidemiology of low BMD, osteoporosis, and fractures, and the treatment of bone problems in patients with CD. The roles of calcium and transport mechanisms are additionally presented.

Relationship between nutritional habits and hair calcium levels in young women

The present study was conducted to investigate whether hair calcium levels are related to nutritional habits, selected status parameters, and life-style factors in young women. Eighty-five healthy female students neither pregnant nor lactating, using no hair dyes or permanents were recruited for the study. Food consumption data, including fortified products and dietary supplements were collected with 4-day records. The calcium levels in hair and serum were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum osteocalcin and the C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen were assayed by ELISA. The women were divided into four groups according to their total vitamin D and calcium intakes and hair calcium levels. At adequate calcium intake and comparable serum bone biomarker levels, supplemental vitamin D increased the hair calcium levels. On the other hand, at lower than estimated adequate requirement of vitamin D intake the hair calcium levels were comparable in women with low calcium intakes but consuming high amounts of meat products or those whose diets were rich in dairy products, possibly due to homeostatic mechanisms. Elevated hair calcium was seen in 25% of subjects and could not be related to nutritional or life-style factors. The results show that the hair calcium levels were weakly related to the quality of diet, with some synergistic interactions between nutrients, especially vitamin D and magnesium.

Bone quality associated with daily intake of coffee: a biochemical, radiographic and histometric study

Caffeine induces loss of calcium and influences the normal development of bone. This study investigated the effects of coffee on bone metabolism in rats by biochemical measurement of calcium, bone densitometry and histometry. Male rats, born of female treated daily with coffee and with coffee intake since born, were anesthetized, subjected to extraction of the upper right incisor, and sacrificed 7, 21 and 42 days after surgery. Blood and urine samples were taken, and their maxilla radiographed and processed to obtain 5-µm-thick semi-serial sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The volume and bone quality were estimated using an image-analysis software. The results showed significantly greater amount of calcium in the plasma (9.40 ± 1.73 versus 9.80 ± 2.05 mg%) and urine (1.00 ± 0.50 versus 1.25 ± 0.70 mg/24 h) and significantly less amount in bone (90.0 ± 1.94 versus 86.0 ± 2.12 mg/mg bone), reduced bone mineral density (1.05 ± 0.11 versus 0.65 ± 0.15 mmAL), and lower amount of bone (76.19 ± 1.6 versus 53.41 ± 2.1 %) (ANOVA; p≤0.01) in animals treated with coffee sacrificed after 42 days. It may be concluded that coffee/caffeine intake caused serious adverse effects on calcium metabolism in rats, including increased levels of calcium in the urine and plasma, decreased bone mineral density and lower volume of bone, thus delaying the bone repair process.

Weight control among obese adolescents: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluated weight loss and compliance outcomes for overweight adolescents assigned to one of two dietary interventions differing in the type of snacks allowed.

METHODS

The study was a 12-week, controlled clinical trial, among otherwise healthy but overweight (body mass index >or=95th percentile) 11-year-old to 15-year-old girls who were randomly assigned to either a 1,500 kcal/day free-snack program or a 1,500 kcal/day restricted-snack program. All subjects were counseled to consume three servings of dairy products per day, and were provided with a 500 mg calcium supplement as well. Subjects in the free-snack group could choose any 150-calorie item as one of their two daily snacks, including regular soda if desired; however, subjects in the restricted-snack group were limited to diet soda.

RESULTS

Thirty-two adolescent girls completed the 12-week intervention. Both diets were equally effective in achieving a modest amount of weight loss, and were equally acceptable to the subjects. Significant decreases in weight, body mass index, anthropometric measures, total cholesterol and triglycerides were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A 1,500 kcal/day diet allowing for a free snack of 150 calories was equally as effective as a more restricted snack policy in achieving a modest amount of weight loss among overweight 11-year-old to 15-year-old girls. In addition, results suggest that some soda may be included in a teen weight control diet, as long as caloric intake is maintained at recommended levels, and care is taken to achieve adequate intake of essential nutrients. Calcium intake among subjects was low at baseline, and, although it increased during the study (due to supplementation), further efforts to increase consumption of naturally calcium-rich and calcium-fortified foods and beverages are needed.

Calcium, nutrient and food intake of Greek Orthodox Christian monks during a fasting and non-fasting week

OBJECTIVE

To assess the Ca, nutrient and food intake of Greek Orthodox Christian monks during a vegetarian-type fasting week, compared with their normal diet.

DESIGN

Dietary data collection (using 7 d weighed food records), anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, as well as serum glucose and lipid analyses, were performed during Palm Sunday week (fasting) and the week following Pentecost Sunday (non-fasting). Mean daily nutrient and food (g/d) intakes were calculated from the food records.

SETTING

The study took place in two monasteries in the Municipality of Heraklion, Crete.

SUBJECTS

The study involved ten healthy monks aged 25-65 years, with BMI > 30 kg/m2, who had been performing fasts for the last 24.4 (SD 10.4) years and lived in monasteries in Crete during April-June 2005.

RESULTS

Nutrient and food intake profiles were more favourable during the fasting week, when participants had lower intakes of total and saturated fat and trans-fatty acids, and higher intakes of dietary fibre, Fe, folate, legumes and fish/seafood. Ca intake was lower when participants fasted, whereas consumption of dairy products, meat and eggs increased significantly in the non-fasting week. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher, whereas blood lipid levels were more favourable during the fasting week.

CONCLUSIONS

The periodic vegetarianism recommended by the Greek Orthodox Church contributes to the favourable profiles of several biomarkers of health among this sample of monks. The fasting rituals described are an important component of the traditional diet of Crete and should be emphasised in nutrition education programmes promoting this Mediterranean eating pattern.

Changes in calcium intake and association with beverage consumption and demographics: comparing data from CSFII 1994-1996, 1998 and NHANES 1999-2002

BACKGROUND

Consumption of soft drinks has been hypothesized to be negatively associated with calcium intake. However, fortification of some foods and beverages may have affected calcium intake.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in calcium intake and the association of milk consumption with key beverage consumption and demographic variables using the most current data available.

DESIGN

Several techniques were used to describe how age, gender, race/ethnicity, and beverage consumption were associated with milk and calcium intake using the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals 1994-1996, 1998 (CSFII) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002 (NHANES). Using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses, we examined the independent relationships of total non-beverage energy intake, fluid milk consumption, non-milk beverage consumption, and demographics with calcium intake.

RESULTS

During the time period between CSFII and NHANES, milk consumption decreased and RCSD consumption increased among children 6-11 y. Calcium intake was unaffected. Among other age categories, milk consumption either did not change or increased (females 40-59 y), while RCSD consumption increased. Calcium intake either did not change or increased in most age-gender categories, including adolescent females. Fluid milk consumption exhibited the strongest association with calcium intake. Fruit juice consumption was also positively associated with calcium intake in most age-gender categories. Consumption of other beverages, including RCSD, had little or no association with calcium intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of low-fat milk should be encouraged, but calcium fortification of certain foods and beverages and calcium supplementation may be needed to further increase calcium intake.