The effect of calcium supplements on plasma alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline in postmenopausal women.

Abstract

Although calcium supplements are widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis, their beneficial effect is not conclusively established. We now report some effects of a calcium supplement (1 g/day) given for 6 to 12 weeks to 15 postmenopausal osteoporotic women. The mean fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio decreased from 0.021 +/- 0.002 to 0.015 +/- 0.001 (P less than 0.0025), indicating a significant reduction in bone resorption. The mean plasma alkaline phosphatase fell from 123 +/- 5 U/l to 104 +/- 3.1 U/l (P less than 0.01), probably representing some secondary reduction in bone formation following the inhibition of bone resorption. These results support the concept that calcium supplementation is useful in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

• Authors: M Horowitz, A G Need, J C Philcox, B E Nordin
• Journal: Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme (Horm Metab Res) Vol. 17 Issue 6 Pg. 311-2 (Jun 1985) ISSN: 0018-5043 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 4018720 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Alkaline Phosphatase
• Hydroxyproline
• Calcium

Topics

• Aged
• Alkaline Phosphatase (blood)
• Bone Resorption (drug effects)
• Calcium (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydroxyproline (urine)
• Menopause
• Middle Aged
• Osteoporosis (drug therapy, prevention & control)