Calcium Absorption and Post-menopause

Effect of age on calcium absorption in postmenopausal women

Article Summary:

The article is a review on the study that aims to establish the extent and timing of any age-related change in calcium absorption in postmenopausal women. A total of 262 healthy postmenopausal women aged from 40 to 87 participated. Biochemical variables such as radiocalcium absorption, serum vitamin D metabolites, and parathyroid hormone were measured. The result of the study shows that radiocalcium absorption decreased with age, it was 28% lower in the 25 women aged above 75. The study suggested that in addition to the decrease in calcium absorption occurs during menopause, an age-related decline is seen in postmenopausal women. This decrease could be due to a decline in either the active calcium transport or diffusion component of the calcium absorption system.

Authors:

Nordin BE, Need AG, Morris HA, O'Loughlin PD, Horowitz M.

Insititution:

Division of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, Australia.

Country of Publication:

United States

Source:

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 80(4):998-1002, 2004 October. NIH

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