Calcium Intake in Relation to Body Mass Index and Fatness in Thai School-Aged Children

Uruwan Yamborisut^1*, Wanphen Wimonpeerapattana², Nipa Rojroongwasinkul², Atitada Boonpraderm³, Sayamon Senaprom², Wiyada Thasanasuwan⁴, Ilse Khouw⁵, Paul Deurenberg⁶

¹Human Nutrition Unit, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand.
²Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand.
³Community Nutrition Unit, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand.
⁴Nutrition Physiology Unit, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand.
⁵Friesland Campina, Amersfoort, The Netherlands.
⁶Nutrition Consultant, Langkawi, Malaysia.

DOI: 10.4236/ojped.2015.52016                

Abstract

An emerging evidence suggests that dietary calcium may play a role in the regulation of body weight in humans. This study examined the relationship of calcium intake with body mass index and body fatness in Thai children. Methods: A cross-sectional study in 1570, 6 - 12 year-old children were conducted in representative provinces of Thailand. Body weight, height, sitting height and 4 sites skinfolds thickness were measured as well as the dietary intake using a 24 h recall and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). General linear model (GLM) analysis was used to determine the effect of calcium intake on body mass index (BMI) and body fatness of children. Results: There were no differences in parental education and family’s socio-economic status between genders. Girls had significantly greater sitting height (p = 0.035), sitting height to height ratio (p = 0.014) and sum of four skinfold thickness (p = 0.001) than boys. Mean calcium intake was lower in girls than in boys. GLM analysis demonstrated that lower calcium intake among children was associated with higher body weight, BMI and sum 4-skinfold thickness. Conclusion: Lower calcium intake is associated with higher BMI and body fatness of Thai children. Further studies need to determine the optimal calcium intake to prevent overweight and obesity in children.

Keywords

Thai Children, Calcium Intake, Milk, Skinfold Thickness, Body Mass Index

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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