The Effects of Sodium Fluoride on Calcium Metabolism of Subjects with Metabolic Bone Diseases*

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Abstract
Studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of NaF given to patients with metabolic bone diseases. Of 8 subjects followed clinically and by balance methods during 10 to 75 weeks of treatment with 0.8 to 1.4 mg F/kg. body weight per day (given as enteric coated tablets of NaF), four had primary osteoporosis, 2 had steroid induced osteoporosis, and 2 had Paget''s Disease. Three of 4 subjects with primary osteoporosis responded by an average change in Ca balance of 138 mg/day, the fourth showed no change. One subject with steroid osteoporosis retained an additional 100 mg Ca/day, while the other, whose intake of prednisone was increased from 20 to 30 mg/day during treatment with F, did not respond. Both patients with Paget''s Disease retained increased amounts of Ca during treatment (110 and 175 mg/day). In most subjects, urinary and fecal Cadecreased. Comparable changes of phosphate but no consistent change of N balance was observed. F retention was variable, but decreased with time. Three subjects, each with a history of aching joint pain for years, had ankle or knee pain on weight bearing, without other abnormality. No other symptom or toxic effect was found.