The rate of bone mineral loss in normal men and the effects of calcium and cholecalciferol supplementation

Article Abstract:

Most studies of osteopenia (bone mineral loss) and risk of fractures have focused on women rather than men, yet men are also at risk for these problems. Bone loss appears to start later in life and proceed more slowly in men than women, but the incidence of certain fractures, such as broken hips, is eventually equal for the sexes. Research has shown that calcium balance may be instrumental in the development of bone loss in women, and this same process may be important for men. The rate of bone loss was measured in normal men. Calcium and cholecalciferol (vitamin D) supplements were also administered to assess their effect on bone loss. Eighty-six men aged 30 to 87 participated; eligibility requirements included that they had no history of bone fracture, did not exercise on a regular basis, and did not smoke or have any major medical conditions. Over three years, bone mineral content was measured using single-photon absorptiometry, a technique similar to an X-ray. Some subjects took 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 25 micrograms of cholecalciferol daily while others took inert placebos. Substantial bone loss was noted over the three-year period, and the supplements of calcium and vitamin D had no measurable protective effect. Annual bone loss averaged from 1 to 2.3 percent depending on the specific bone, which was more than had been estimated from previous studies that compared men of different ages at one point in time. This was the first study that followed bone loss in the same men over a period of time. Calcium and vitamin D might be useful in persons who are poorly nourished, but these subjects were well-nourished, reportedly consuming an average of 1,159 mg calcium per day. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Research, Case studies, Osteoporosis, Calcium in the body, Calcium (Nutrient), Aged men, Elderly men

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The relationship of swimming exercise to bone mass in men and women

Article Abstract:

Researchers examined the relationship between swimming and the prevention of bone mineral loss in a group of 94 swimmers between 40 and 85 years of age. None of the subjects included in this study engaged in any other sort of exercise and all had been swimming on a regular basis for at least three years prior to the study. Weight-bearing exercises are believed to be the best types of activities for maintaining skeletal bone mass, particularly in older people and women. Swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise, and it is not clear whether persons engaged in swimming receive the same benefits of preventing bone mineral loss, or osteopenia. Results based on measurements of bone mineral density suggest that middle-aged and elderly male swimmers had greater bone density than male non-swimmers in the same age range. Women swimmers were not found to have greater bone mineral density than female non-swimmers in the same age range. Researchers speculate that the biomechanical forces exerted on the skeleton were greater in men than in women, which may account for the greater impact of swimming on the bone mineral density of males as contrasted with females. In light of the evidence suggesting an association between swimming and bone mineral density in men, further research is advocated to clarify the role of swimming in the maintenance and promotion of skeletal health.

Bones, Drug therapy, Exercise, Exercise physiology, Swimming, Bone density, Osteopetrosis

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Relationship of mineral metabolism and long-term calcium and cholecalciferol supplementation to blood pressure in normotensive men

Article Abstract:

Studies suggest that calcium metabolism may be involved in the control of blood pressure. However, calcium supplements do not consistently decrease blood pressure in patients with hypertension, or high blood pressure. The effects of calcium and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplements on blood pressure were assessed in 65 men with normal blood pressure and no medical problems. The subjects were given either 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 1,000 international units (IU) of cholecalciferol per day, or a placebo, a substance with no therapeutic effect, for three years. In addition, the subjects were not receiving drug therapy that would alter mineral metabolism or blood pressure. At the start of the study, the blood pressure during systole, or heart contraction, was positively associated with fasting calcium excretion and inversely associated with levels of ionized calcium. The blood pressure during diastole, or heart relaxation, was inversely associated with phosphorus levels and positively associated with fasting calcium excretion. Supplementation with calcium and cholecalciferol did not affect blood pressure. These findings suggest that blood pressure may be regulated by calcium metabolism, but that it is not significantly affected by calcium and cholecalciferol supplements. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Hypertension, Blood pressure, Blood pressure regulation, Diet therapy, Mineral metabolism, High-calcium diet, High calcium diet

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