Plasma calcium levels in pregnant Asian women.

Plasma calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and albumin were measured during pregnancy in a group of Asian women living in the south of England and in a control group. The Asian women had slightly lower mean plasma calcium concentrations than the control group. Exposure of Asian women to sunshine appeared to be low, and it was inferred that they probably had little endogenous synthesis of cholecalciferol as a result. Both Asian and control subjects ingested similarly low amounts of vitamin D. The Asian women consumed greater amounts of phytate and vegetable fibres than the controls, and it is suggested that these substances may reduce absorption of insoluble lipids (including cholecalciferol) and calcium in a setting where the dietary intake and endogenous synthesis of vitamin D are already borderline for the subject's requirements.