RESUMO
It is generally agreed that an adequate calcium intake is necessary for the maintenance of bone health and that calcium supplementation reduces the rate of bone loss in postmenopausal women. Mineral waters are calorie free, and some, with relatively high calcium levels, might be significant sources of calcium. We studied the effect of mineral water in 45 early postmenopausal women randomly assigned to receive a high-calcium (Ferrarelle, Italy) or a low-calcium mineral water. On the basis of the dietary regimen, women were divided in two clusters (A = 23 subjects, B = 22 subjects) significantly different only for calcium intake (CI) and for dietary consumption of calories (energy). At the end of the study period (13 +/- 1 months), bone mineral density at the distal radius showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) only in cluster with low CI. The difference between the clusters was significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the cluster with high CI showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in osteocalcin serum levels after 3 months. This study provides further evidence to support the use of a high calcium mineral water as an effective prophylaxis against postmenopausal bone loss.