Calcium Nutrition and the Aging Process: A Review

  • Louis J. Ramazzotto
  • , Frederick A. Curro
  • , Paul E. Gates
  • , John A. Paterson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Adequate supply of calcium is essential for proper maintenance of the skeletal system. Recent studies suggest that, in the United States, dietary calcium in most women is inadequate to maintain skeletal integrity. Additionally, postmenopausal women will lose bone mass more rapidly because of estrogen deficiency and possibly tack of exercise. Severe loss of bone mass can result in several serious skeletal diseases, the most frequent of which is osteoporosis. This disease is a major contributor (25–30%) to hip fractures and spinal compression fractures in elderly people. Indirect sequelae of these fractures are responsible for 12% to 15% mortality in these patients within three months. Recent research indicates that osteoporitic bone loss may directly affect alveolar bone and may, in fact, exacerbate existing periodontally‐induced bone loss. This article will review the literature concerning physiological and biochemical parameters related to the absorption and metabolism of calcium with special emphasis on calcium alterations in the aging process. The following areas will be discussed: Ingestion, Absorption, Factors Effecting Absorption and Bone Maintenance, Calcium/Protein Interactions Affecting the Aging Process, Altered Bone States Associated with the Aging Person, Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia, Paget's Disease, Calcium Affecting Drug Action, and Calcium Affecting Alveolar Bone.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)159-168
Number of pages10
JournalGerodontology
Volume5
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1986
Externally publishedYes

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