Abstract
Synopsis Muroto deep sea water, which is obtained from about 300 m below sea level offshore the Muroto Promontory and is widely sold as drinking water after desalination, contains many kinds of minerals, especially an abundance of magnesium. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Muroto deep sea water on bone metabolism when ingested by perimenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Eighteen perimenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis (49-62 years old) were recruited. Twelve women took 500ml of Muroto deep sea water daily for 12 weeks (supplementation of magnesium 100mg/day ; drinking group), and 6 age-matched women abstained to be treated as the control (control group). Electrolytes (Ca, Mg, P), biochemical markers of bone metabolism (bone specific ALP, osteocalcin and NTx/Cre) and calcium regulating hormones (intact-PTH, 1.25-(OH)2Vit.D and calcitonin) in blood or urine were measured in both groups every 4 weeks. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine (L2-4) was assessed at the beginning and the end of the 12 weeks.
In the drinking group, serum Mg concentration was increased significantly compared with the baseline level or control group at the 4th week, but there was no significant change at the 8th or 12th week. Urinary Mg/Cre concentration was significantly increased compared with baseline at the 4th, 8th and 12th weeks in the drinking group, and at the 4th and 12th weeks in the control group. No significant change in Ca and P concentration was observed in serum or urine. Serum bone specific ALP did not show significant change during the period. Serum osteocalcin concentration at the 12th week was significantly decreased compared with baseline level in the drinking and control group; furthermore, the percent change in the drinking group was significantly lower than in the control. Urinary NTx/Cre concentration at the 12th week did not different from baseline level in the drinking group, but the percent change in the drinking group was significantly lower than in the control. Serum calcium regulating hormones were unchanged. No other side effect was observed during or after treatment. Bone mineral density did not show any significant change in either group.
Taking Muroto deep sea water for 12 weeks in perimenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis led to a decrease in the biochemical markers of bone resorption and formation, resulting in suppressed bone turnover. These findings indicated the possibility that long-term ingestion of Muroto deep sea water may have a suppressive effect of decreasing bone mineral density. [Adv Obstet Gynecol, 56(2) : 77-84, 2004(H16.5)]
