Calcium could aid health for men too

Auckland University researchers are testing whether calcium tablets can improve cholesterol levels and bone density in men.

Three years ago, the researchers, led by Professor Ian Reid, found calcium supplements had a beneficial effect in a group of post-menopausal women, increasing bone density and levels of "good" cholesterol."Bad" cholesterol levels dropped.

Now they are looking to see if results are similar in men over 40, and need more men to take part in the trial.

Professor Reid said osteoporosis was long thought to be a women's problem, but Australian research showed at least half of women and 30 per cent of men aged over 60 would break a bone.

"If 30 per cent of men that age are having osteoporosis fractures that's a pretty major public health issue."

A report published by the International Osteoporosis Foundation last year found that while men suffered fewer fractures, those breaks could be associated with higher morbidity and death.

Last year, middle-distance running legend Peter Snell threw his weight behind the foundation's campaign to raise male awareness, saying the disease was rampant among men "thanks to our 21st-century lifestyle" of poor diet and little exercise.

Professor Reid said the most recent studies on men were done 15 years ago but as life expectancy continued to increase doctors were seeing more male osteoporosis patients.

"If you are a man with osteoporosis and go to the doctor you will get started on calcium tablets and at the present time there is no evidence it's making any difference."

High cholesterol puts people at greater risk of cardiovascular disease - such as heart disease and stroke - the biggest killer in this country, causing about 40 per cent of deaths.

Professor Reid said calcium was believed to have an effect on cholesterol levels by stopping the body absorbing some fats.

If that was the mechanism at work, then taking calcium tablets should have the same impact on men's cholesterol levels as women's.

The study of 223 post-menopausal women published in the American Journal of Medicine found that among those who took calcium tablets for a year, "good" cholesterol levels increased 7 per cent and "bad" cholesterol dropped 6 per cent.

In the group of women taking placebos there was virtually no change.

Professor Reid said 250 men were already involved in the study and another 50 were needed.

Participants needed to be over 40, fit and in good health, he said.

About two-thirds of the men would receive calcium supplements and the remainder would receive a placebo over two years.

Tests would be carried out every six months to check cholesterol levels and bone density.

* Anyone interested in taking part in the study should contact Ruth Ames on (09) 307-8970.

Osteoporosis

* Osteoporosis (porous bones) is a condition where bone is lost or destroyed by the body more quickly than it is replaced. The skeleton weakens and fractures can occur.

* One in three men over 60 and one in two women in that age group will suffer a fracture as a result of osteoporosis.

* People can try to prevent osteoporosis by keeping physically active, eating a calcium-rich diet, not smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation.