Influence of Mineral Intake on Bone Density in Humans and in Rats

Abstract

Bone densities of young human adults showed variations which appeared to indicate the calcium status of the individual. Characteristic bone densities in young adults were not readily altered by marked temporary changes in calcium intake whereas calcium balances readily reflected such differences. Mature rats showed no significant changes in bone density but a small and significant difference in calcium content with increasing intakes ranging from 0.1 to 0.5% of calcium. Young growing rats showed significant increases both in bone density and body calcium with increased intake ranging from 0.1 to 0.5% of calcium. Specific activities decreased with increased calcium intakes for mature rats and for growing rats on controlled food intakes. The decrease in activity was interpreted as an indication of increase in calcium reserves. The implications of the use of bone density measurements for determining calcium status have been discussed.