Dietary calcium supplementation suppresses bone formation in magnesium-deficient rats

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of dietary calcium (Ca) supplementation on bone metabolism of magnesium (Mg-)-deficient rats. Male Wistar rats were randomized by weight into three groups, and fed a control diet (control group), a Mg-deficient diet (Mg- group) or a Mg-deficient diet having twice the control Ca concentrations (Mg(-)2Ca group) for 14 days. Trabecular bone volume was significantly lower in the Mg- and Mg(-)2Ca groups than in the control group. Trabecular number was also significantly lower in the Mg- and Mg(-)2Ca groups than in the control group. Mineralizing bone surface, mineral apposition rate (MAR), and surface referent bone formation rate (BFR/BS) were significantly lower in the Mg- and Mg(-)2Ca groups than in the the control group. Furthermore, MAR and BFR/BS were significantly lower in the Mg(-)2Ca group than in the Mg- group. These results suggest that dietary Ca supplementation supplementation suppresses bone formation in Mg-deficient rats.