April 9, 2009
When diabetics might need extra calcium
Adults who consumed fibre started to excrete less calcium, a sign they were absorbing less of the mineral, a study found
People with Type 2 diabetes who are trying to bulk up on fibre may need to pay closer attention to their calcium intake as well, a small study suggests.
Senior researcher Abhimanyu Garg of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and his team got 13 middle-aged and older adults with Type 2 diabetes to increase their fibre intake. They each consumed 50g of fibre per day for six weeks, followed by 24g per day over another six-week period.
The researchers found that the participants began to excrete less calcium in their urine - a sign that their body's calcium absorption had declined. Some studies, they noted, have suggested that dietary fibre binds with certain minerals, forming 'complexes" that cannot be absorbed.
Fibre is known to help lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar control and maintain bowel regularity. Adults are advised to get roughly 25g or more each day.
However, good bone health is important too and these latest findings suggest that poorer calcium absorption may be the trade-off, the researchers reported in the journal Diabetes Care.
'Because more calcium equals better bone health, we recommend that people on high-fibre diets talk to their physician about increasing their dietary calcium as well in order to get the most benefit from both,' Dr Garg said.
He added that it is important to consult a doctor or dietitian first because excessive calcium can cause kidney stones.
Dr Garg suggested that people try foods that provide both fibre and calcium, such as spinach, broccoli, figs, papaya, beans and artichokes.
Reuters
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