Calcium Intake in Women Receiving AEDs
Abstract number :
3.108
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
1996
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
H. Choi, M.D., Neurology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY; A.M. Pack, M.D., Neurology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY; K.L. Flynn, Neurology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY; M.J. Morrell, M.D., Ne
RATIONALE: It has been established that antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are associated with bone diseases such as osteopenia, osteroporosis, osteomalacia, or pathologic fractures. Although no definitive preventative guidelines are yet available, certain risk factors are modifiable. One preventative measure includes ensuring adequate calcium intake. This study looks at adequacy of calcium intake among one group at risk, premenopausal women with epilepsy on AED.
METHODS: Study participants completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire created by National Cancer Institute. They reported daily dietary and supplement intake, which included calcium. Total daily calcium was calculated from dietary calcium [plusminus] supplementation.
RESULTS: The subjects consisted of 79 premenopausal women with epilepsy on AED monotherapy between the ages of 18 to 40. The recommended daily allowance for this age group is 1200 mg; the average total daily calcium intake of the subjects was 988 mg (S.D. 749 mg). Thus, 73.4% of the subjects ingested less than the recommended daily allowance. Furthermore, only 48.1% took calcium supplements.
CONCLUSIONS: Premenopausal women with epilepsy on AEDs are at risk for bone disease. Two thirds of the women studied here had a daily calcium intake that was lower than the recommended daily allowance. Less than half of those studied took supplemental calcium. In light of the association between long-term AED treatment and bone disease, women with epilepsy should be advised on adequate calcium intake.
Support: Glaxo Wellcome Inc.