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Predictors of Calcium Retention in Adolescent Boys

Departments of Foods and Nutrition (K.M.H., M.B., B.R.M., L.M., C.M.W.), of Health and Kinesiology (J.W.N., D.A.S.), and of Statistics (G.P.M.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907; Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (M.K.), San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182; and Indiana University School of Medicine (M.P.), Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-3082

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Connie M. Weaver, Ph.D., Purdue University, Foods and Nutrition, 700 W State Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2059. E-mail: weavercm{at}purdue.edu.

Context: The relationship between calcium (Ca) intake and Ca retention in adolescent boys was recently reported.

Objective: This study evaluated the influence of Ca intake, serum hormone levels, biomarkers of bone metabolism, habitual physical activity, habitual Ca intake, and physical fitness on Ca retention in the same sample.

Design: This study was a randomized, cross-over design that consisted of two 3-wk metabolic balance periods.

Setting: The study took place on a university campus as a summer camp.

Patients or Other Participants: A total of 31 American white boys (13–15 yr) participated in the study.

Interventions: Each subject consumed a controlled diet with one of five high-low Ca intake pairs that ranged from 670-2003 mg/d, which was manipulated utilizing a fortified beverage.

Main Outcome Measures: Ca retention was determined by Ca intake minus urinary and fecal Ca excretion during each balance period.

Results: Ca intake explained 21.7% of the variability in Ca retention, and serum IGF-I concentration explained an additional 11.5%. Other serum hormone levels did not significantly add to the model. Biomarkers of bone metabolism, habitual physical activity, habitual Ca intake, and physical fitness were not significant predictors of Ca retention in adolescent boys.

Conclusions: IGF-I, a regulator of growth during puberty, is an important predictor of Ca retention in adolescent boys. However, dietary Ca intake is an even greater predictor of Ca retention during this period of growth.