Calcium is an essential element that plays numerous biological functions in the human body, of which one of the most important is skeleton mineralization. Bone is a mineralized connective tissue in which calcium represents the major component, conferring bone strength and structure. Proper dietary calcium intake is important for bone development and metabolism, and its requirement can vary throughout life. The mineral composition of drinking water is becoming relevant in the modulation of calcium homeostasis. In fact, calcium present in mineral drinking waters is an important quantitative source of calcium intake. This, together with its excellent bioavailability, contributes to the maintenance of the bone health. This article aims to examine studies that assessed the bioavailability of the calcium contained in calcium-rich mineral waters and their impact on bone health, including original data collected in a recent study in humans.
Purpose: To update knowledge on dietary calcium intake in the Italian population, focusing on subjects of any age over 18 years. Methods: Data were collected through consecutive surveys, carried out from 2013 to 2018 in several Italian cities, during screening events intended to promote bone health among the Italian population. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), validated for the assessment of the intake of calcium and nutrients for bone health in adults, was administered to subjects to estimate calcium intake in all groups. Results: Out of a total of 1821 FFQs filled in, 1801 provided all the information necessary for the evaluation of calcium intake (being correctly completed and indicating gender and age). Median values were significantly lower than the Italian population reference intake (PRI) values in women of all ages (range: 792 to 854.1 mg/day) and in men aged 60-74 years (854 mg/day) and over 75 years (832.1 mg/day). Young adult males (18-29 years) and adult males (30-59 years) consumed calcium in quantities close to the recommended amounts. Conclusions: These results are in line with what has already been observed in subsets of the Italian population. For this reason, it is once again appropriate to reiterate the need to plan suitable campaigns to spread information and provide guidelines on adequate nutrition able to guarantee correct calcium intake.
IntroductionBoth osteoporosis and periodontitis are pathologies characterized by an imbalance in the bone tissue. Vitamin C is an important factor involved in maintaining the health of the periodontium; its deficiency causes characteristic lesions to periodontal tissues such as bleeding and redness of the gums. Among the essential minerals for the health of the periodontium we find instead calcium.Objectives of the studyThe objectives of the proposed study are to study the association between the presence of osteoporosis and periodontal disease. We tried to identify the possible connections between particular dietary patterns and therefore the etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease and secondarily of osteoporosis.Materials and methods110 subjects were recruited in a single-center observational cross-sectional study carried through the collaboration between the University of Florence and the private institute of dentistry Excellence Dental Network based in Florence, suffering of periodontitis, 71 osteoporotic/osteopenic and 39 non-osteoporotic/osteopenic. Anamnestic data and information on eating habits were collected.ResultsThe population showed eating habits that do not meet the intake levels recommended by the L.A.R.N. Regarding the relationship between nutrient intake and plaque index, it appears that in the population, the higher the intake of vitamin C through food, the lower the plaque index value is. This result could reinforce the scientific evidence that there is a protective factor in the onset of periodontal disease by the consumption of vitamin C which to date is still the subject of investigation. In addition, the same type of trend would also have been observed for calcium intake, but a larger sample size would be required to make this effect significant.ConclusionsThe relationship between osteoporosis and periodontitis and the role of nutrition in influencing the evolution of these pathologies still seems to be deeply explored. However, the results obtained seem to consolidate the idea that there is a relationship between these two diseases and that eating habits play an important role in their prevention.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.