Loss of bone calcium in exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields

This study investigates the effect of whole body exposure to magnetic fields on the calcium level of blood and bone in a trial to avoid the liability of osteoporosis, fractures, and delayed union of fractures after exposure to magnetic fields present everywhere in the environment. The procedures of the study included analysis for calcium level in both bone and blood. The procedures were performed on 50 Guinea pigs equally divided into 5 groups. Groups A, B, C, and D were exposed to 50 Hz, 0.2 mT magnetic field for 30 d. Group E animals were the control. Group A was sacrificed immediately after exposure; Group B was left away from the field for 15 d for spontaneous repair; Group C received the drug Centrum dissolved in drinking water for 15 d after exposure to the magnetic field; and Group D received centrum in drinking water during the period of exposure (30 d). After sacrificing all animals, the calcium level in both bone and blood was evaluated. Values of blood analysis revealed significant increase in the blood calcium level in exposed animals compared with the control group (P < 0.002) with excess in Group A. This indicated that the calcium left the bone to the blood. Values of the bone analysis revealed significant decrease in bone calcium concentration level in Group A compared with the control group and improvement in the bone condition in Groups C and D, indicating the role of trace element after the exposure period as a compensatory agent of magnetic field damage and its role during the exposure period as a radio-protecting agent.