The Effect of Long-Term Pervitine Abuse on Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism

Abstract

Ten patients previously taking pervitine (for 8.8 years on average) showed a decrease in the body mass index, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxychole¬calciferol concentrations and an increase in bone alkaline phosphatase; the other examined parameters remained unchanged. The bone mineral density showed low and very low values in five and four patients, respectively, related to the Z-score according to NHANNES III tables in a U.S. reference study. There are several reasons, other than the pervitine intake, why the patients could have low bone mineral density and calcium-phosphorus metabolism disorders: low calcium and vitamin D intake, lack of body exercise, nicotine and alcohol abuse.