title: The role of trace minerals in osteoporosis.
abstract: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease with dimensions of genetics, endocrine function, exercise and nutritional considerations. Of particular considerations are calcium (Ca) status, Vitamin D, fluoride, magnesium and other trace elements. Several trace elements, particularly copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), are essential in bone metabolism as cofactors for specific enzymes. Our investigations regarding the role of Cu, Mn and Zn in bone metabolism include data from studies with animals on Cu- and Mn-deficient diets. We have also demonstrated cellular deficiencies using bone powder implants, as well as fundamental changes in organic matrix constituents. In clinical studies we have demonstrated the efficacy of Ca, Cu, Mn and Zn supplementation on spinal bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Each of these studies demonstrated the necessity of trace elements for optimal bone matrix development and bone density sustenance.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla 92093.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Saltman
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Strause
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008345:Manganese / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000517:prevention & control; D017698:Postmenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D011509:Proteoglycans; D014131:Trace Elements; D008345:Manganese; D003300:Copper; D015032:Zinc; D002118:Calcium