Part 11. Low serum calcium and magnesium levels in women

Summary Low calcium and magnesium levels were found in serum from women domiciled in an area where an osteo-arthrosis with a female preponderance is endemic. Despite decreased serum calcium, the methodology used indicated low circulating para­ thyroid hormone, while values for phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase and the serum proteins were not remarkable. Alcoholism was excluded as a factor .influencing the measured variables. The results reported, together with previous findings, justify intensified investigation into the link between diet­ induced mineral deficiencies and endemic osteo­ arthrosis at Mseleni. S Aft Med J 1986; 70: 740-742. The cause of an endemic osteo-arthrosis (EOA) which cripples many people living near Mseleni in north-eastern KwaZulu is still unknown. This syndrome is much more prevalent in females and has been called Mseleni joint or hip disease. It is more widespread than originally described and imposes a severe socio-economic burden. I - 6 For the reasons listed below we believed that if biochemical variables reflecting bone disease were measured in affected women, a contribution to solving the problem would be made. I. Maize grain (Zea mays) and groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) are the main foods at Mseleni and comprehensive analysis of these and other dietary items has indicated the probability of dietary mineral element and protein deficiencies and imbalances. 1,7 2. The calcium content was so low in a diet compounded from maize grain and groundnuts grown at Mseleni that female rats fed on it developed secondary hyperparathyroidism and fibrous osteodystrophy. 1 Furthermore, exacerbation of bone disease in non-human primates by a maize-based diet has been described. 8