OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the absorption of dietary calcium and VDR (Vitamin D(3) receptor, VDR) gene RFLPs in Chinese young women with representative diets.

METHODSForty subjects were selected from three hundred young female students aged 18 - 23 years old. After identifying the VDR gene Fok I RFLPs, the subjects were given the representative diets during the 3-day adaptation period and the 12-day metabolism period. The copy food and drinking for measurement of nutrients and also the complete feces each day were collected. The dietary calcium absorption of each subject was examined and calculated.

RESULTSAs expected, the intake of dietary calcium in subjects is close to the results set by the of National Nutrition Investigation in 1992 (from young women at 17 year old) or the daily reference intake (DRI) for adult woman; the difference of the absorption of dietary calcium among VDR gene RFLPs in young women was observed: ff < Ff < FF, (28.7 +/- 10.5)%, (30.4 +/- 15.9)% and (40.6 +/- 11.0)% respectively; only significant difference between FF genotype and Ff genotype, P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONOur results were consistent with those gained from the previous studies on children about the relationship between the absorption of dietary calcium and VDR (Vitamin D(3) receptor, VDR) gene RFLPs, and now it might occur in young women. Further studies need to be taken by using stable isotope and increasing subjects in young women.