Calcium intake and anthropometric indicators in adolescents

Objective This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between calcium intake and anthropometric indicators in adolescents. Methods Students (n=507) from two public and one private schools of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, were assessed by means of a questionnaire on socioeconomic conditions, sexual maturity anthropometry body composition and food intake. Results The mean calcium intake was 703.7 (396.0) mg/day and the school with the highest socioeconomic level presented the highest mean intake. Only 8% of the adolescents presented an intake above the recommended intake. Body mass index was inversely associated with calcium (r=-0.203, p=0.001) in the school of intermediate socioeconomic level and also in adolescents with dietary calcium intake between 400 and 800 mg/day (r=-0.134, p=0.044). Conclusion These results showed that calcium intake was insufficient among the adolescents of Ouro Preto, indicating the need to stimulate the consumption of calcium-rich foods in this population.