Osteoporosis, a bone disease that leads to an increased risk of bone fracture due to reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and disruptions in bone architecture. While osteoporosis is most common in women after menopause, it is also a common problem for men as they get older. Large doses of supplemental calcium are beneficial for improving BMD in men, according to the results of a trial published in last week's issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Scientists from the University of Auckland in New Zealand recruited 323 healthy men aged 40 and older, with an average age of 57 years. The recruits were randomly assigned to receive daily supplementation with 600 milligrams of calcium, 1200 milligrams of calcium, or a placebo pill After 2 years, the scientists found that men who were treated with 1200 milligrams of calcium experienced higher increases in their BMDs than those who were treated with placebo. Men who received 600 milligrams of calcium per day did not display these same increases.

Men account for 25% of all hip fractures, and 30% of older men experience a fracture due to bone fragility. Until now, there has been no consistent evidence that calcium supplementation affects BMD in men. The findings of this study suggest that 1200 milligrams of calcium a day, in combination with adequate dietary calcium intake, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures by increasing BMD.