Effect of Some Hormones on Calcium Balance in Elderly Subjects.

Our earlier studies on calcium and phosphorus balance in elderly subjects have shown that calcium requirements are higher for such subjects than other workers found for young adults, with little change in phosphorus requirements (1,2). We later noted that addition of Vit. D to a supposedly adequate diet increased calcium retention in these subjects (3). Increased calcium requirements in the aged make it more likely that such subjects will be in negative calcium balance on an ordinary diet. The increase in incidence of osteoporosis in the aged has been noted by many workers(4). We have been studying the effects of various hormones on nitrogen balance in elderly subjects for some time. Some cause an increase in nitrogen retention and definite clinical improvement(5,6). Use of these hormones has found a definite place in treatment of debilitated elderly subjects(7). In view of the precarious state of calcium equilibrium in such individuals, we felt it advisable to make further studies on the effect of these hormones on calcium balance, as any effect in decreasing calcium retention would be undesirable. We present results on effect of thyroid, insulin, cortisone and ACTH on calcium balance. We also give a revised summary of some earlier work on the effect of sex hormones(8) and Vit. D(3) so that the data may be compared. Material and methods. The subjects had been used in our earlier studies on calcium balance(1). All were free of acute or infectious diseases. Their ages were: DE—88 years, OS—70 years, KO—69 years, KI—72 years, and MC—76 years. Details of clinical status and general procedure of calcium balance determinations have been given(1). Details of diets, adjustment of intake and collection of specimens were the same as in our earlier work on nitrogen balance(9). The diet was similar to Diet No. 3 of this reference.