title: Short-term calcium supplementation has no effect on biochemical markers of bone remodeling in early postmenopausal women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study was designed to assess changes in biochemical markers of bone remodeling in early postmenopausal women receiving calcium supplementation.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In contrast to other investigations, there was no significant short-term effect of calcium supplementation on biochemical markers of either bone resorption or formation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA. UweAUlrich@aol.com
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ulrich
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Eyre
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chesnut
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bodenschatz
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schlebusch
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Soules
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects*; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D002118:Calcium