Effect of acute alcohol ingestion on mineral metabolism and osteoblastic function

Alcohol abuse can induce osteopenia in some subjects. In order to study the effect of a single dose of alcohol on mineral metabolism and osteoblastic function, we have measured calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone midmolecule (PTHm), parathyroid hormone intact molecule (PTHi) and bone-gla-protein (BGP) in serum of 8 healthy men after the ingestion of a single dose of alcohol (0.6 g/kg body weight). Urinary calcium and magnesium were also measured. After alcohol intake, both serum PTHm and PTHi were decreased, as well as serum BGP. Serum phosphate and urinary calcium and magnesium were increased. An inverse significant correlation was found between PTHi and serum phosphate (r = 0.42; p < 0.02). Our data show that acute alcohol ingestion lowers serum PTH and BGP in humans, suggesting an inhibitory effect on parathyroid and osteoblastic function. These changes and the alcohol-induced transient hypercalciuria could contribute to the development of bone disease associated with chronic alcohol abuse.