Effect of supplementation of calcium and vitamin D on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in peri- and post-menopause women; a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a serious global health problem for the future, that is why improving diagnostic methods and prevention of this disease could be helpful.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of calcium supplementations combined with Vitamin D on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in a representative sample of peri- and post-menopausal women in a double-blind, a randomized, controlled trial was untaken.

DESIGN: A total of 120 women aged over 45 were included in a randomised placebo-controlled, double-blind trial on the effect of a daily dietary supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D on bone mineral density and bone mineral content; over a 30-month period.

METHODS: Dietary intake assessment; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure total body and segmental bone mineral density and bone mineral content at beginning of the study and every 15 months were undertaken.

RESULTS: There was no significant change in dietary calcium or Vitamin D intakes in either of the treatment groups during the 30-month intervention period. The change in total BMD in the calcium group was significantly different from that in the placebo group (P <0.005). The placebo group lost a total BMD at a rate of about 0.4% per year. There was an inverse correlation between BMD and age.

CONCLUSIONS: The effect of calcium and Vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density of calcium has been demonstrated in this group of young adult women. Our results showed the positive effect of calcium and Vitamin D supplementation in women both peri- and post-menopausal status; for this reason a supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D should be recommended as a strategic option in helping to prevent early postmenopausal bone loss.