The influence of the calcium/phosphorus ratio in the diet on human bone disease, the role of nutritive secondary hyperparathyroidism.

60 out of 100 patients suffering from severe periodontal disease received a daily calcium supplementation of 1,000 or 2,000 mg during a period of 9 or 12 months. Different investigations such as PTH and serum parameters were not influenced by this treatment. However, animal experiments, as well as acute studies in men involving an oral phosphorus load, suggest that parathyroid secretion might be increased by a lowered calcium/phosphorus ratio. Therefore it is possible that a diet too low in calcium could contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The lacking effect of calcium therapy implies very strongly that other factors are more important for the development of this disorder.