THE EFFECTS OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF MAGNESIUM OXIDE ON RENAL CALCIUM EXCRETION IN CREW MEMBERS DURING A SUBMARINE PATROL
Abstract
In order to learn the effects of orally administered magnesium oxide on the excretion of urinary calcium and phosphorus, a study was undertaken on a group of forty submariners while on a routine patrol. Half of the group received daily dosages of magnesium oxide, while the other half served as controls. Twenty-four-hour specimens were collected from these subjects three days after submergence, and again a few days before return to port. Urine specimens were examined microscopically, then measured for calcium, phosphorus and routine factors. No specimen examined was found to contain bacteria, or white blood cells, nor was there any alteration in the routine chemistries. Total urinary calcium excretion in the control group fell from a mean of 178 mg in prepatrol tests to 135 mg post-patrol, while the group ingesting magnesium oxide exhibited a sample mean of 162 mg in the post-patrol tests. These figures show a significantly different mean value (p - 0.05). These results, if substantiated by further studies, would argue strongly for the prophylactic use of magnesium for protection against the formation of urinary calculi.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 28, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0705391
Entities
People
- Clayton T. Drake
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory