[Effect of dietary calcium vs calcium citrate on conventional biochemical markers in perimenopausal women].

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.