Calcium Absorption and Hip Fractures

Low Fractional Calcium Absorption Increases the Risk for Hip Fracture in Women with Low Calcium Intake

Article Summary:

A review of the study that determines the relations between low fractional calcium absorption in women with low calcium intake and the risk of hip and other nonspine fractures. A total of 5,452 non-black women of 69 years of age or older participated in the study of Osteoporotic Fractures in four clinical centers located in different states. During the study, fractional calcium absorption was measure by using a 3-hour isotope technique. Incident fractures were identified prospectively and were confirmed by radiographic report. The result shows that during an average of 4.8 years, 13% of women experiences at least one nonspine fracture, about 2% had hip fractures. The study concludes that elderly women with low fractional calcium absorption and low calcium intake were at greatest risk for subsequent hip fractures. The relation between fractional calcium absorption and other nonspine fractures were not found in this study.

Authors:

Kristine E. Ensrud, MD, MPH; Tu Duong, MA; Jane A. Cauley, DrPH; Robert P. Heaney, MD; Randi L. Wolf, PhD; Emily Harris, PhD; and Steven R. Cummings, MD

Insititution:

Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group

Country of Publication:

United States

Source:

Annals of Internal Medicine. 132(5): 354-53, 2000, March. NIH

Return to the "Menopause Articles page. "