Bone mineral accretion

Dibba, B., Prentice, A., Ceesay, M., Stirling, D. M., Cole, T. J., and Poskitt, E. M. E. (2000). Effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral accretion in Gambian children accustomed to a low-calcium diet. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 71, 544-549. 

Specker, B. L., Beck, A., Kalkwarf, H., and Ho, M. (1997). Randomized trial of varying mineral intake on total body bone mineral accretion during the first year of life. Available from http //pediatrics.aappublications.Org/cgi/content/abstract/99/6/el2 [Accessed July 2007]. 

In the same study by Lloyd et al. (1996), but after 2 years of CCM supplementation, the Ca group versus the placebo group demonstrated significantly higher BMD (12.2% vs 10.1% p =. 005) and bone mineral content increases (BMC 39.9% vs 35.7% p =. 01) for total body, while bone area remained similar between groups (p =. 15). At the lumbar spine and pelvis, supplemental Ca improved bone accretion compared to placebo by as much as 12-24%. Annualized bone acquisition rate was highest in Ca supplemented subjects with above-median values for... 

Firschein HE. 1970. Collagen and mineral accretion rates in bone during vitamin A deficiency. Am J Physiol 219(5) 1183-1187. 

The dominant feature of the hypervitaminotic state is the dissolution of bone already formed. The ash content is reduced and the blood Ca and P are increased. When toxic doses are administered to rachitic rats, the hypertrophic cartilage becomes densely calcified, in parallel with the dissolution of already formed bone. This fact should always be borne in mind when mineral accretion in bone is studied with the aid of Ca and toxic doses of vitamin D. 

Osteoid Etidronate suppresses bone turnover and may retard mineralization of osteoid laid down during the bone accretion process. In patients with fractures, especially of long bones, it may be advisable to delay or interrupt treatment until callus is evident. 

Fluorine (F) and its metabolites are of importance in protecting teeth from caries. Fluorine is included in calcium hydroxyapatite, and it promotes the precipitation of calcium phosphate Ca(P03)2 and accelerates the remineralization. The necessary concentration of Fluorine added to drinking water to prevent caries is approximately 1 mg/L. Application of higher Fluorine concentrations (above 8 mg/L) leads to fluorosis. This is a disease that is characterized by a disturbance in the function of the thyroid gland. A long-term application of fluorine leads to intensive mineralization (possible precipitation of calcium sulfate), deformation of bones with possible accretion, and calcification of the connections. 

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