The effects of season and alcohol intake on mineral metabolism in men

We have examined the relationship between self-reported alcohol intake (SRA I), season and mineral metabolism in a series of 96 men aged 32 to 78 years of age. Alcohol intake was reported as between 0 and 50 oz/week. SRAI corr elated positively with liver function tests, including serum bilirubin, alk aline phosphatase, and AST initially and at 6 months. In addition, SRAI cor related with serum calcium, testosterone, estradiol, and immunoreactive par athyroid hormone (iPTH) as well as urinary calcium [per 100 mg of creatinin e (Cr)], and pyridinoline crosslinks (DPC) (per 100 mg of Cr). We have divi ded the participants into two groups on the basis of their reported alcohol intake. Individuals with none-to-moderate intake had <8.4 oz/week of ethan ol, Those with moderate or heavier intake had 8.4 or or more of ethanol/wee k Individuals with none-to-moderate SRAI had a significant seasonal increas e in iPTH, osteocalcin, urine DPC/100 mg of Cr and a decrease in distal for earm bone mineral density, 25 hydroxyvitamin D (250HD), and urinary calcium /100 mg of Cr, Individuals with moderate or heavier SRAI only had significa nt seasonal decrease in 250HD. We have concluded that alcohol intake decrea ses seasonal change in serum iPTH, The biological effects of such alteratio ns in parathyroid hormone levels include decreased seasonal loss of bone mi neral density.