Calcium intake of Asian and Caucasian adolescents in Hawaii.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess calcium intake of Asian and Caucasian adolescents in Hawaii, food and beverage sources of calcium, and key factors influencing calcium intake. Data were gathered in a cross-sectional survey of 51 adolescents and included two 24-hour recalls per person. Mean calcium intakes were below the U.S. Dietary Reference Intake's Adequate Intake level for calcium; still, they were higher than nationally reported calcium intakes of this age group. Although ethnic differences in dietary calcium intake were not seen between the Asian and Caucasian/Other group, the sample size may not be large enough to demonstrate a difference. Asians in Hawaii consumed more calcium than in previous studies. Caucasian/Other group consumed more non-fat milk than the Asian adolescent group. The Caucasian/Other group and the higher socio-economic group consumed more calcium from dietary supplements than Asians and the lower-socioeconomic group. A higher calcium intake was found on the weekday in comparison with the weekend (Sunday), which was largely due to calcium intake from school meals.