The effect of fluoride and calcium on spinal bone mineral content: a controlled, prospective (3 years) study.
Daily treatment with 30 mg of sodium fluoride (NaF) and 1 g of calcium over a 3-year period increased the bone mineral content (BMC) in the spines of women (n = 25) with osteoporosis. Determination of the BMC was followed with dual photon absorptiometry (137Cs-241Am) in the third lumbar vertebra. No increase in BMC was found with only 10 mg sodium fluoride in combination with calcium (n = 25), with calcium alone (n = 25), or with placebo (n = 25). No serious side effects were registered. There was, however, minor gastrointestinal distress in one-fifth of the patients taking 30 mg NaF daily.
D000368:Aged; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013131:Spine / Q000378:metabolism*
D008903:Minerals; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D002118:Calcium