The role of skeletal calcium deficiency in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

A previous study of iliac crest composition identified skeletal calcium deficiency in 25% of 56 postmenopausal osteoporotic patients evaluated prior to the use of stanozolol or calcitonin. This report is a follow-up of biopsy data after 2 years of treatment with drug or placebo in 31 patients, 11 of whom had skeletal calcium deficiency. The study diet, consisting of 1 g elemental calcium plus 400 U Vitamin D, repaired the skeletal calcium deficiency in all patients, treated and untreated alike. Total body calcium (TBC) results were influenced by separation into calcium deficient and normal mineral groups, apparent treatment response being observed largely in patients with calcium deficiency. It is suggested that if all postmenopausal women ingested 1 g elemental calcium plus 400 U Vitamin D daily, skeletal calcium deficiency in osteoporosis would disappear as a problem. Meanwhile, it is important to recognize that repair of calcium deficiency is an important variable capable of influencing bone response to therapy and the evaluation thereof.