The dose-dependency of alcohol-induced hypoparathyroidism, hypercalciuria, and hypermagnesuria.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Small controlled crossover trial with unspecified randomization
PubMed 1422307 · doi:10.1016/0169-6009(92)90845-5
What was done
Six healthy normal men were tested across sessions comparing fruit juice (control) against three alcohol doses: 0.5, 1.0, and 1.3 g/kg of body weight. Intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) in serum, as well as serum and urine calcium and magnesium, were measured at baseline and at intervals up to 6 hours post-ingestion.
What was found
Compared to control, maximum reductions in mean serum PTH concentrations were 31% (P = 0.19) with 0.5 g/kg, 31% (P = 0.20) with 1.0 g/kg, and 45% (P = 0.01) with 1.3 g/kg. Urinary calcium excretion was elevated above control by 85% (P < 0.05), 142% (P < 0.01), and 207% (P < 0.01) across the three ascending doses, and urinary magnesium increased up to threefold.
Why it matters
It demonstrates that acute alcohol consumption induces dose-dependent urinary calcium and magnesium loss, indicating direct renal effects alongside parathyroid hormone suppression at higher doses.
Limits
The study is limited by an extremely small sample size (n = 6), inclusion of only healthy men, an unstated randomization status, and measurement restricted to a short 6-hour acute window.
Cited by
- supports Alcohol consumption flushes magnesium and water from the human body.