Association between dietary calcium intake and severe abdominal aorta calcification among American adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Background: Evidence regarding the relationship between dietary calcium intake and severe abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between dietary calcium intake and severe AAC in American adults based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: The present cross-sectional study utilized data from the NHANES 2013–2014, a population-based dataset. Dietary calcium intake was assessed using two 24-h dietary recall interviews. Quantification of the AAC scores was accomplished utilizing the Kauppila score system, whereby severe AAC was defined as having an AAC score greater than 6. We used multivariable logistic regression models, a restricted cubic spline analysis, and a two-piecewise linear regression model to show the effect of calcium intake on severe AAC. Results: Out of the 2640 individuals examined, 10.9% had severe AAC. Following the adjustment for confounding variables, an independent association was discovered between an augmented intake of dietary calcium and the incidence of severe AAC. When comparing individuals in the second quartile (Q2) of dietary calcium intake with those in the lowest quartile (Q1), a decrease in the occurrence of severe AAC was observed (odds ratio: 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.99). Furthermore, the relationship between dietary calcium intake and severe AAC demonstrated an L-shaped pattern, with an inflection point observed at 907.259 mg/day. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant interaction effects. Conclusion: The study revealed that the relationship between dietary calcium intake and severe AAC in American adults is L-shaped, with an inflection point of 907.259 mg/day. Further research is required to confirm this association.