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A new study has found that a high-fiber, low-fat diet may significantly
reduce the amount of calcium absorbed by the body.
- The results are based on data collected from 142 healthy women
before and during menopause.
- Calcium absorption among participants ranged from 17% to 58%.
- A difference in absorption of calcium of nearly 20% was found
between the women with the lowest fiber-highest fat and those
with the highest fiber-lowest fat diets.
Aside from the relationship to fiber/fat in the diet, researchers
observed higher calcium absorption among women with:
- higher body mass index
- higher blood levels of vitamin D.
In addition to the fiber intake, other factors which were found
to be negatively associated with calcium absorption were:
- Alcohol intake
- Total calcium intake
- Higher level of exercise.
In explaining the decreased calcium absorption with higher fiber
intake, the researchers suggest that high fiber levels may accelerate
the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Because
of the shortened retention time, the body has less opportunity to
absorb calcium.
American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition August 2000; 72: 466-471.
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