Objective: To compare the effect of calcium citrate and a calcium enriched diet on conventional biochemical markers.
Material and methods: Eighty-two women aged 30 to 35 years were randomized to any of three groups:A control group of 23 women who remained intact in their dietary habits and physical activity; a second group of 28 women who received 1000 mg of dietary calcium plus physical activity 30 minutes three times per week; and a third group of 31 women who received 600 mg of calcium citrate plus 500 mg of dietary calcium and physical activity three times per week for seven months. Calcaneum bone densitometry was measured to classify women into normal and osteopenic groups. Biochemical markers were measured at baseline and at the end of the study, as follows: serum alkaline phosphatase, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, as well as the calcium/creatinine ratio in urine.
Results: Thirty-four percent of women were osteopenic. These women showed a significant reduction in the final level of calcium in the third group, as compared to the second group (p < 0.05, 7.4 mg/dl vs 8.8 mg/dl). The final measurement showed significant hypermagnesemia in the second group, as compared to the third group (p < 0.05). Phosphorus levels decreased in the second group (3.5 to 3.2 mg/dl) (p > 0.05). The calcium/creatinine ratio was normal in all groups.
Conclusions: The second group showed a higher bone production than the third group. No group showed bone resorption.