Effects of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Mineral Density and Biochemical Markers in Osteoporotic Postmenopausal Women

It has been reported that taking a proper amount of calcium and vitamin D helps to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and is effective in decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. This study investigated the supplementary effects of calcium and vitamin D on postmenopausal women who had osteoporosis and used calcium and vitamin D supplements. The study subjects consisted of osteoporotic postmenopausal women who were recruited from the Department of Orthopedics in a university-affiliated hospital. Sixty-seven study subjects were orally administrated 1,000 mg of calcium (calcium carbonate) and 2.5 mg of active vitamin D (1-$\alpha$ hydroxyvitamin D) (cholecalciferol 250 IU) twice a day for a year and a half. BMD and biochemical markers were evaluated and repeated every six months. One year after the intervention test, the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was significantly increased as compared to the baseline. Six months after supplement administration, the level of serum alkaline phosphatase began to decrease, and afterwards a significant difference was maintained Concentration of 1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D at 1.5 years was higher than that of the baseline. In comparison with that of the baseline, the level of urinary hydroxyproline in the study subjects over six months was significantly decreased This study continued that effects such as BMD improvement and changes in biochemical markers appeared at least one year after administration of supplements.