Body elemental composition: comparison between black and white adults

The age-related changes in body chemical composition were measured in a normal black population ranging in age from 30 to 80 yr. The levels of total-body calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and chlorine were measured by in vivo neutron activation. In addition, the lean body mass (total-body potassium) was...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American journal of physiology Vol. 232; no. 4; p. E419
Main Authors Cohn, S H, Abesamis, C, Zanzi, I, Aloia, J F, Yasumura, S, Ellis, K J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.1977
Subjects
Adult
African Continental Ancestry Group
Age Factors
Aged
Body Composition
Calcium - analysis
Chlorides - analysis
Electrolytes - analysis
European Continental Ancestry Group
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Phosphates - analysis
Potassium - analysis
Sex Factors
Sodium - analysis
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:The age-related changes in body chemical composition were measured in a normal black population ranging in age from 30 to 80 yr. The levels of total-body calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and chlorine were measured by in vivo neutron activation. In addition, the lean body mass (total-body potassium) was measured by whole-body counting of 40K. These data were compared with the same data obtained on a normal white population in a previous study. Although there were no significant differences in the height of the two groups, black men and women had significantly higher total-body calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, and potassium than the sex-and age-matched white population. The increased levels of total-body calcium and potassium when normalized for the weight and height of the subjects were reduced but still remained significantly higher than those of the white population. Clearly specific reference standards for skeletal and muscle mass as well as for sodium and chlorine need to be established for black populations.
ISSN:0002-9513
DOI:10.1152/ajpendo.1977.232.4.e419