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

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.