Comparison between the fractional isotopic calcium absorption and an oral calcium tolerance test

Summary In 27 subjects with several disorders of calcium metabolism, the fractional intestinal absorption of⁴⁷CaCl₂ was rather poorly correlated with the urinary output of calcium or with the maximal increase of serum calcium after an oral calcium load. Conversely, a good correlation was observed with the product of these parameters. We propose that this product be used as an estimate of intestinal calcium absorption when a radioisotopic method is not available.