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Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus status of elderly inpatients: dietary intake, metabolic balance studies and biochemical status

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

Anita J. Thomas
Affiliation:
Geriatric Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO9 4XY Chemical Pathology and Human Metabolism, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO9 4XY
Valda W. Bunker
Affiliation:
Chemical Pathology and Human Metabolism, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO9 4XY
Nidish Sodha
Affiliation:
Chemical Pathology and Human Metabolism, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO9 4XY
Barbara E. Clayton
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine of the University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO9 4XY
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Abstract

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The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus status of a group of elderly inpatients was studied by use of duplicate meal analysis over a 5 d period and biochemical indices in twenty-one patients, and metabolic balance (5 d) in six of these. Mean daily Ca intake was lower than that of apparently healthy elderly subjects in metabolic equilibrium, although commensurate with present UK recommendations. Metabolic balance was negative for Ca. Mean daily Mg intake was approximately half the US recommendation, and half the intake at which metabolic balance has been observed in healthy elderly people. The five patients studied were in metabolic balance for Mg. Mean daily P intake was close to the UK recommendation, but negative metabolic balance was observed. The disparity between official recommendations for Ca intake, factors contributing to suboptimal Ca status, and measures that may improve Ca status in this group are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 1989

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