[Lipid calcium interactions in experimental and human nutrition (author's transl)]

Abstract

A balanced intake of alimentary lipids is necessary for calcium and phosphorus absorption, as for growth and calcification of bone. In lipid deprivation or excess, important disorders of phospho-calcic metabolism appear particularly in young growing subjects. The qualitative content of ingested fats has, too, a great influence : lipids containing short and medium-chain fatty acids, essential fatty acids and oleic acid stimulate calcium absorption. An excess of long chain and saturated lipids, or intake of erucic acid depress calcium absorption and retention. These facts are possible pathophysiological mechanisms in human disorders: The so-called humanized milks are close to human milk regarding their capacity of stimulation of phospho-calcic absorption and growth. In these milks, oleic and linoleic triglyceride level must be increased. In adult pathology, lipidic deficiency of steatorrhea is partially responsible for calcium and vitamin D malabsorption. Conversely, lipid-calcium interactions are not one-way, and an elevated dietary calcium depresses saturated lipid absorption, and has a hypolipemic action interesting in prevention of atherosclerosis of aged patients.