HEALTH NEWS

Study Title:

Comparison of Calcium Hydroxyapatite to Calcium Carbonate

Study Abstract

OBJECTIVE: There is increasing evidence to suggest that ossein-hydroxyapatite complex (OHC) is more effective than calcium supplements in maintaining bone mass. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether OHC has a different clinical effect on bone mineral density (BMD) compared with calcium carbonate (CC).

METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of OHC versus CC on trabecular BMD. We identified publications on clinical trials by a search of electronic databases, including

MEDLINE (1966-November 2008), EMBASE (1974-November 2008), and the Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register.The primary endpoint was percent change in BMD from baseline. Data were pooled in a random-effects model, and the weighted mean difference was calculated. A sensitivity analysis that excluded trials without full data was performed.

RESULTS: Of the 18 controlled trials initially identified, 6 were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant heterogeneity among the included trials. The percent change in BMD significantly favored the OHC group (1.02% [95% CI, 0.63-1.41], P < 0.00001). These results were confirmed in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: OHC is significantly more effective in preventing bone loss than CC.

Study Information

Castelo-Branco C, Ciria-Recasens M, Cancelo-Hidalgo MJ, Palacios S, Haya-Palazuelos J, Carbonell-Abelló J, Blanch-Rubió J, Martínez-Zapata MJ, Manasanch J, Pérez-Edo L.
Efficacy of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex compared with calcium carbonate to prevent bone loss: a meta-analysis.
Menopause
2009 September
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Hospital Clínic i Provincial, Barcelona, Spain.