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

Introduction: This study was designed to assess changes in biochemical markers of bone remodeling in early postmenopausal women receiving calcium supplementation.

Materials And Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: In contrast to other investigations, there was no significant short-term effect of calcium supplementation on biochemical markers of either bone resorption or formation.