Background Low calcium intake and insufficient vitamin D status are risk factors for osteoporosis amongst Asian women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-calcium and vitamin D fortified milk (HCM) intervention on vitamin D status and bone resorption markers in Chinese healthy postmenopausal women. Methods Women over 55 years old, and with at least a 5-year post-menopausal period were recruited. A total of 124 women received the screening of general health status and bone mineral density (BMD). Sixty-three women were randomly divided into control group and study group. Women in study group drank HCM (containing 900mg calcium, 96mg magnesium, 2.4mg zinc, and 6.4μg vitamin D) twice per day for 12 weeks. Women in control group had a control drink twice per day for 12 weeks. Blood minerals, 25-(OH) vitaminD3, and C-telopeptide of Type I collagen l (CTX) were tested at baseline, 2, 8 and 12 weeks after the supplementation. Results The average age of women in control group and study group was 63± 4.6 years old and 62± 3.8 years old, respectively. Daily calcium intake at baseline ranged from 260mg to 482mg in HCM group and 252mg to 692mg in control group, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI) of women in HCM group had significantly decreased after 12 weeks (P<0.05). Serum levels of 25-(OH) vitamin D3 of women in HCM group had improved significantly (from 33.13 to 39.49nmol/L), while the levels in control group remained unchanged (from 29.27 to 28.21nmol/L). Blood concentrations of CTX in HCM group had reduced by 25% between the 1st weeks and 2nd week, remaining unchanged until the 12th week. Significant difference of blood CTX between control group and study group was observed from the 2nd week (P<0.001). Conclusions Through drinking HCM, serum levels of vitamin D in Chinese postmenopausal women improve significantly within 2-4 weeks. Bone resorption decreases at the same time. Long term supplementation of HCM can reduce the risk of bone resorption and bone loss, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures. |