Calcium, Vitamin D, and Bone Mineral Density and Content

Effect of supplementation of calcium and vitamin D on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in peri- and post-menopause women; a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

Article Summary:

A review of the study on the effectiveness of calcium supplementations combined with Vitamin D on bone mineral density and bone mineral content for peri- and post menopausal women. A total of 120 women aged over 45 participated in the placebo-controlled, double-blind trial for 30-month period. Dietary intake was assessed and dual-energy X-ray absorptionmetry is used to measure total body and segmental bone mineral density and bone mineral content every 15 months. The study shows that although there is no significant change in dietary calcium or Vitamin D intake in either of the treatment groups, but the change in total bone mineral density in the calcium group was significantly different from that in the placebo group. The placebo group lost a total bone

mineral density at a rate of about 0.4% per year. An inverse correlation was found between bone mineral density and age. This study indicated that there is a positive effect of calcium and Vitamin D in women both peri- and post menopausal status; for this reason a supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D is recommended as a strategic option in helping to prevent early postmenopausal bone loss.

Authors:

Di Daniele N, Carbonelli MG, Candeloro N, Iacopino L, De Lorenzo A, Andreoli A.

Insititution:

Human Nutrition Unit, Via Montpellier 1, University of Rome, "Tor Vergata", 00173 Rome, Italy.

Country of Publication:

Italy

Source:

Pharmacol Res. 50(6):637-41, 2004 December. NIH

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