Calcium Intake Trends and Health Consequences from Childhood through Adulthood

Abstract

Issues involving low calcium intake and dairy product consumption are currently the focus of much debate and discussion at both the scientific and lay community levels. In this review, we examine the following major areas of interest: (1). the role of calcium intake and dairy product consumption in chronic diseases, (2). nutritional qualities of milk and other dairy products, (3). trends in calcium intake and dairy product consumption, (4). current status of calcium intakes and dairy product consumption in children, (5). tracking of calcium intake and diary product consumption, (6). the impact of school meal participation on calcium intake and dairy product consumption, (7). concerns related to calcium-fortified foods and beverages and (8). factors influencing children's milk consumption. To date, the findings indicate that calcium intake and dairy product consumption have beneficial roles in a variety of chronic diseases; dairy products provide an abundant source of vitamins and minerals; calcium intakes of children have increased over time, yet intakes are not meeting the current adequate intake (AI) calcium recommendations; dairy consumption has decreased, and soft drink consumption and, possibly, consumption of calcium-fortified products have increased; consumption of dairy products have a positive nutritional impact on diets of children, particularly from school meals, and there are many factors which influence children's milk consumption, all of which need to be considered in our efforts to promote adequate calcium intakes by children. Based on this review, areas that need immediate attention and future research imperatives are summarized in an effort to further our understanding on what we already know and what we need to know to promote healthier eating habits early in life.

Acute Calcium Assimilation from Fresh or Pasteurized Yoghurt Depending on the Lactose Digestibility Status

“…This observation could reflect the habitual low intake of calcium from milk products in subjects with lactose maldigestion and a lower percent absorption demands in this people [25].…”

“…Unless other calcium enriched foods are regularly consumed, milk and other dairy products are the commonest sources, and limiting consumption of these foods can increase the risk of inadequate intake of this mineral [26,27]. As a result, most of lactose intolerant or maldigester people are at particular risk of calcium intake below recommended levels [25]. Moreover, reduction in calcium absorption has been described in lactose intolerant people, who improved the mineral assimilation by the intake of dairy products containing lactose [27].…”

“…Lactose maldigestion is a relevant factor influencing milk and dairy product consumption, since lactase-deficiency often produces gastrointestinal symptoms after lactose intake [25]. Unless other calcium enriched foods are regularly consumed, milk and other dairy products are the commonest sources, and limiting consumption of these foods can increase the risk of inadequate intake of this mineral [26,27].…”

Improving children's dairy food and calcium intake: can intervention work? A systematic review of the literature

“…Dairy foods provide a significant amount of total Ca and are an important source of protein, Mg and other essential nutrients (1) . Dairy products are unique in that they offer high Ca availability and high Ca content, and Ca provided through dairy has been shown to stimulate bone development and maximise peak bone mass (2,3) . Sixty per cent of peak bone mass is acquired throughout the pubertal years (4) , thus a constant intake of readily available dietary Ca during this intense growth period, among other factors, is essential in strengthening bone and reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life (2,5) .…”

Comparison of Diets of Urban American Indian and Non-Hispanic Whites: Populations with a Disparity for Biliary Tract Cancer Rates

“…For example, since calcium is a second messenger in numerous intracellular signaling pathways related to the control of cell proliferation, it is reasonable to speculate that the decreased dietary intake of calcium by AIs might compromise pathways involved in regulating cell growth or the invasivity of cancerous cells. Calcium and dairy product intake has been identified as a determinate of chronic disease and health throughout life, including a possible association with cancer risk (Key et al, 2002;Nicklas 2003;World Health Organization 2003, ). Although it is tempting to speculate about possible contributions a low calcium or ICLFA intake or increased arachidonic acid intake might make to increasing the risk of BTC, we believe it is both reasonable and advisable to keep an open mind and entertain the possibility that a low intake of biomolecules other than calcium or certain fatty acids in milk and dairy products in general may ultimately help explain why the incidence of biliary tract cancers are so very high in AI.…”