Inverse association of calcium intake with abdominal adiposity and C-reactive protein in Brazilian children.

Objective: To evaluate Ca intake and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors during childhood.

Design: A cross-sectional study with a representative sample. Food consumption was assessed through three 24 h dietary recalls. Anthropometry, body composition and biochemical measurements were also conducted.

Setting: Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Subjects: Children between 8 and 9 years old (n 350) enrolled in public and private schools in the urban area of the municipality of Viçosa.

Results: Almost all children had inadequate intake of Ca (97·4 %), especially those with low income, non-white and who studied in public schools. Foods that contributed most to Ca intake were 'milk' and 'cheeses and yoghurts' (R 2=0·66 and 0·13, respectively), and intake of 'milk' was correlated with 'chocolate milk powder' intake (r=0·538, P<0·01). Children with lower Ca intake had a higher prevalence of increased C-reactive protein (prevalence ratio=2·93; 95 % CI 1·21, 7·07), increased waist circumference (prevalence ratio=2·86; 95 % CI 1·01, 8·13) and a lower prevalence of high LDL cholesterol (prevalence ratio=0·64; 95 % CI 0·41, 0·99).

Conclusions: Lower Ca intake was associated with excess abdominal adiposity and subclinical inflammation in Brazilian children. Monitoring of adequate Ca intake is important, especially in poorer communities.