IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND DIETARY CALCIUMINTAKE - A SURVEY IN 10,373 YOUNG FRENCH SUBJECTS

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discuss, in the light of the results of a survey, the calcium ration of a sample of French youth a nd to determine whether various sports activities can be related to di etary calcium intake. Methods: Physical activity was evaluated using B aecke's questionnaire. Calcium intake was evaluated using a food frequ ency oriented questionnaire. The survey was performed on a population of 10,373 subjects (6,966 males and 3,407 females) including three dif ferent groups of subjects: school children and college students, milit ary personnel, and athletes registered in sports federations. The mean age of this population was 19 +/- 9 yr, ages ranging between 7 and 50 yr. Results: The mean amount of declared calcium intake (DCT) for the total population was 1242 +/- 843 mg per 24 hr (mg.d(-1)). Fifty perc ent of this population consumed less than 1000 mg.d(-1) and 13% less t han 500 mg.d(-1). There was no significant relationship between the in dex of activity and declared calcium intake. Calcium intake decreased with age and was lower in females compared to males. Conclusions: The subjects trained in individual endurance sports such as triathlon, bik ing, and road running have a lower DCI than subjects trained in team s ports such as volley ball, handball, or basketball. This survey, perfo rmed on a large population, does indicate that for half of them daily calcium intake is below the threshold of 1.000 mg.d(-1) considered the daily requirement covering the needs of a population without age or g ender distinction and that calcium intake is not related to the level of physical activity.