Short-term calcium supplementation has no effect on biochemical markers of bone remodeling in early postmenopausal women.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess changes in biochemical markers of bone remodeling in early postmenopausal women receiving calcium supplementation. In a randomized cross-over study of eighteen weeks duration, the effect of a 6-week calcium supplementation (1000 mg calcium carbonate) on biochemical markers of bone resorption (collagen type I cross-linked C- and N-telopeptides) and bone formation (osteocalcin, total and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase), and total serum calcium was assessed in 27 early postmenopausal women. While total serum calcium levels increased significantly due to calcium supplementation (p<0.05), biochemical markers of both bone resorption and formation remained virtually unchanged. In contrast to other investigations, there was no significant short-term effect of calcium supplementation on biochemical markers of either bone resorption or formation.