Calculation of the contribution of water to calcium intake in low‐ and middle‐income countries

Abstract

Dietary calcium intake is low in many countries, particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Water is often overlooked as a source of dietary calcium despite it being universally consumed and providing good calcium bioavailability. Our objective was to assess water distribution systems in LMICs and to develop a formula to simulate the contribution of different water sources to calcium availability. We calculated the contribution of drinking water considering different calcium concentration levels to estimate total calcium availability. We consider a country's households' access to drinking water sources and the distribution of the country's population by age and gender.Calcium availability could be increased by an average of 49 mg of calcium per person per day in the 62 countries assessed if calcium in drinking water was considered. In 22 (31%) of the countries studied, 80% of households are supplied by water sources that could increase calcium availability. Improving calcium concentration in water could be considered as a strategy in LMICs to slightly improve calcium availability.

Calcium concentration of drinking water to improve calcium intake: A simulation study

“…Bottled water could have higher concentrations of calcium and benefit those who consume this type of water. Programs that distribute water in containers could consider regulating the calcium content of water to improve calcium intake in the population 41 . However, bottled water intake in Argentina seems to be low, but strategies to promote the consumption of this type of water could help improve calcium adequacy and synergize with strategies to promote a healthy diet.…”

“…population. 41 However, bottled water intake in Argentina seems to be low, but strategies to promote the consumption of this type of water could help improve calcium adequacy and synergize with strategies to promote a healthy diet. Although water with added minerals exists, the fortification of water in Argentina is not considered by the local food Codex.…”