The effect of water-soluble calcium supplements on calcium metabolism and bone metabolism of growing rats.

摘要

Use of Ca supplements by the elderly to maintain health is increasing. Ca is absorbed as an ion in vivo, leading to speculation that absorption efficiency is affected by the solubility of the Ca consumed. Bioavailability of 2 types of Ca supplements (water-soluble or insoluble) was evaluated using female rats fed supplements for 6 wk. Blood alkali phosphatase activity, osteocalcin content and urine crosslink values were not different between treatment groups. Similarly, the degree of apparent Ca absorption between the 2 Ca supplements was not markedly different. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the femur and tibia increased in rats consuming insoluble Ca but not in rats consuming water-soluble Ca. However, when considering body wt., bone mineral density values for all areas, including the spine, were markedly higher in rats consuming the water-soluble Ca supplement.