Calcium absorption: effect of meal and glucose polymer

Abstract

Various nonelectrolyte meal components such as glucose and lysine enhance gastrointestinal calcium absorption under experimental conditions. The effect of a mixed meal on Ca absorption from Ca supplements is unknown. The effect of glucose polymer on Ca absorption when ingested with food also is unknown. Using a single-day method, we measured net Ca absorption from Ca carbonate when ingested in fasting state, with a steak and potatoes meal, and with the meal and 50 g glucose polymer. Eight healthy human subjects were studied after a 500-mg elemental Ca dose. Mean net Ca absorption was 195 +/- 18 mg (4.87 +/- 0.45 mmol) fasting, 213 +/- 21 mg (5.31 +/- 0.52 mmol) with a meal, and 179 +/- 16 mg (4.47 +/- 0.40 mmol) with a meal plus glucose polymer. The differences are not statistically significant. In normal people Ca absorption from Ca carbonate was not significantly enhanced by a meal or by 50 g glucose polymer ingested with food.

Determination of calcium salt solubility with changes in pH and PCO2, simulating varying gastrointestinal environments

“…The above data are contradictory and could be owing to the presence of food and the method of study.When calcium citrate has shown greater absorption, it has been attributed to the salt's superior solubility over that of calcium carbonate. On the other hand, large increases in calcium salt solubility do not necessarily result in comparable increases in absorption, as reported in studies by Heaney et al (1990a) and Sheikh et al (1988). In these studies, the solubility was determined in water, and the pH of the solution was not reported.…”

Effect of L-Lactic Acid on the Absorption of Calcium in Gastrectomized Rats.

“…Second, hypocalcinocemic gastric peptide hormone, released from the stomach in response to gastrin, is thought to enhance the uptake of calcium into bone (2,8). Third, the rate of delivery of calcium to the small intestine from the stomach is considered a potentially important determinant of calcium absorption (9,10). * To whom correspondence should be addressed.…”

Intraluminal bioavailability of divalent cations

“…However, in-vitro calcium availability is higher in caseinenriched infant formula than in standard formula [24]. The variance of calcium absorption in vivo in humans is fairly large (from 27 to 39%) [26], and it is not yet clear in any clinical situation which factors might consistently predict altered solubility and absorption. All of these studies reported above were performed altering a limited number of factors.…”