Acid-base balance has an effect on bone turnover, especially on the rates of bone resorption and calcium mobilization. Bone mineral participates in the defense against acid-base disturbances, especially against metabolic acidosis (Lemann et al. 1966, Green & Kleeman 1991). The role of the bone mineral is important in the acid-base disorders, as no appreciable change in the intestinal calcium absorption occurs (Bichara et al. 1990).
In the mammalian body, mainly three hormones regulate the calcium metabolism and the bone turnover. 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D derivative) increases calcium absorption from the intestine and, indirectly, from bone. Parathyroid hormone mobilizes calcium from the bone and increases the urinary phosphate excretion. Calcitonin inhibits bone resorption (Ganong 1981). Used as drugs, these hormones are also capable of inducing acid-base disorders. Calcitonin administration (Escanero et al. 1991) and vitamin D excess (Bichara et al. 1990) have been reported to cause metabolic alkalosis.
Dietary acid-base balance, bone resorption, and calcium excretion.
Jajoo R, Song L, Rasmussen H, Harris SS, Dawson-Hughes B.
J Am Coll Nutr. 2006 Jun;25(3):224-30.
PMID: 16766781
Conclusions: Diet changes that increase renal NAE are associated with increases in serum PTH, bone resorption, and calcium excretion over a 60-day period.
Use of cod liver oil during the first year of life is associated with lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes: a large, population-based, case-control study.
Stene LC, Joner G; Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Study Group.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Dec;78(6):1128-34.
PMID: 14668274
Conclusion: Cod liver oil may reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes, perhaps through the antiinflammatory effects of long-chain n-3 fatty acids.