Calcium deficiency and COPD

A new Japanese research study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition points to dietary calcium deficiency as a risk factor for developing COPD. In particular, their research findings showed that study subjects who consumed the most dietary calcium had a 35% lower risk of developing COPD than those who consumed the least amount of calcium-rich food.

The goal of the study was to determine if there were correlations between the dietary consumption of certain key minerals and prevalence of COPD. To assess these correlations, the researchers analyzed the dietary habits of 278 Japanese COPD patients and 340 healthy Japanese adults. The researchers surveyed the study participants regarding their eating habits and then used standard nutritional content tables to calculate the mineral content of the foods consumed by study participants. (Hirayama F, et al. Dietary intake of six minerals in relation to the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(4):572-7)

Of the six minerals examined, only two showed correlations between low mineral levels and high prevalence of COPD – calcium and iron. Of the two, calcium was the most pronounced.

Calcium deficiency is also a known contributor to the development of osteoporosis. We’ve previously written about the high incidence of osteoporosis among COPD patients (estimated to exist in 50-65% of COPD patients).  In those previous articles we’ve highlighted the root causes as a combination of sedentary lifestyle, Vitamin D deficiency (from lack of exposure to direct sunlight), and prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke. Click here and here to read these previous articles. It is likely therefore that calcium deficiency plays a role in the development of osteoporosis among COPD patients as well.

Foods that are naturally rich in calcium content include certain fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. Additionally, soy beans and other soy based products (such as tofu) contain high levels of calcium. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, egg yolks, and yogurt are also good sources of calcium.