What is the BEST Study?:
Between the years of 1995 and 2001, the BEST study looked at 266 sedentary, postmenopausal women in good health in Arizona to find the best way to increase bone mineral density. The study participants were all non-smokers. About half of the study participants were on hormone replacement therapy, and half were not.
Study Funders:
The funding organizations for the study were the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, which is a part of the NIH, and Mission Pharmacal Pharmaceutical Company. Because one of the funders is the manufacturer of the calcim supplements used in the study, some bias in this study toward those supplelments is likely.
The Study's Conclusions:
The BEST study's conclusions ring quite similar to what we have been told before: strength training and weight bearing exercises are key in improving bone density mineral levels. Specifically, the study showed that with a year of resistance and weight bearing exercise, combined with Citracal calcium supplements, the sites most vulnerable to osteoporotic fractures (hip, spine, arm and total body), significantly increased bone mineral density.
Study Participants:
Study participants were divided into 2 groups according to whether or not they were on Homone Replacement Therapy. The ratio was about half and half. Study participants were followed for one year. Every study participant took 800 mg per day (in divided doses) of the calcium citrate supplements provided by Mission Pharmacal. Adherence to the program was encouraged and developed with the use of support groups.
Study Outcome Was the Same Regardless of Hormone Replacement Therapy:
The good and simple news is that, according to the results of the BEST study, calcium citrate supplementation, combined with weight bearing and resistance exercise is the key to bone mineral density improvement in healthy, non-smoking post menopausal women. This is true regardless of the use, or non-use of homone replacement therapy.
Bibliography:
1 Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition. Bone Estrogen Strength Training Study. University of Arizona College of Agriculture & Life Sciences College of Medicine. 2004. Retrieved from: http://cpanarizona.org/56.0.0.1.0.0.phtml February 4, 2006.
Date Created: February 5, 2006
