Calcium intake in the Mediterranean region

Abstract

A deficiency in calcium intake, is considered an important risk factor for the development of osteoporosis. Since the human body cannot produce calcium, individuals are recommended to maintain an adequate daily intake. The aim of the “Calcium Intake in the Mediterranean Region” Study is to evaluate the mean calcium intake in men and women between 40 and 80 residing in various areas of the Mediterranean basin. Enrolled subjects have been asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the mean daily calcium intake from food, principle risk factors for osteoporosis were registered. A dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has also been carried out to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD). During the recruitment period between March 2011 and February 2014, were enrolled 982 subjects. 90% are female, the average age is 60.4±10.0 years.The mean daily calcium intake is 1005 ± 449.9mg. Over the 63% of the sample assume a lower calcium intake compared to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), there are statistically significant gender differences (p < 0.0001) because men have a greater calcium assumption. There is also a significant decreasing trend of assumption with age (p < 0.0001). Calcium Intake is lower in osteopenic and osteoporotic subjects compared to subjects with normal BMD (p=0.0048). Factors significantly associated with a low calcium intake are: sex, age, body mass index, previous fracture, family fracture history. Our study remarks the importance of calcium for the bone health and at the same time, confirms that Mediterranean women over 60 years of age need more calcium daily intake.