The Relationship between Daily Calcium Intake and Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations in Adults

Background: Elevated plasma total homocysteine causes the risk of cardiovascular diseases. By reducing plasma total homocysteine may prevent cardiovascular diseases. Many studies showed that vitamin B-12 and folic acid decrease homocysteine level when taken with calcium fortified drinking water. Our aim of this study was to demonstrate the association between plasma homocysteine concentrations and daily calcium intake. Methods: Among 636 adults aged 40-69 years who visited a health promotion center of a university hospital from May 2006 to April 2007, the study subjects were 567 who completed self-reported questionnaire. Self-reported calcium intake amount and their baseline health questionnaire were obtained. We measured height and weight by physical examination. Through blood test, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma creatinine and homocysteine level were evaluated. Results: The mean daily calcium intake of entire subjects was 770.1 +/- 266.3 mg. The mean plasma homocysteine concentration was 10.6 +/- 4.3 mu mol/L. The multiple regression analysis showed significant correlations between plasma homocysteine level and body mass index, plasma creatinine level and calcium intake. Plasma homocysteine level was inversely associated with dietary calcium intake. Conclusion: We found the calcium was inversely associated and homocysteine level an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. However, further studies should be established to confirm if greater calcium intake may lower plasma homocysteine level.