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Harvard Medical School
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General Medical Questions
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Q: Is it true that drinking too much water can cause a person's bones to decalcify?
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The Trusted Source
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Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.

Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. He has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 20 years at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program.

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February 15, 2010
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A:

No, I do not believe that is true.

"Decalcify" is not a commonly used term in medicine any longer. You may be referring to "demineralization."

Demineralization means that the bone has an abnormally low amount of mineral in it, especially calcium and phosphate.

The mineralization of bone is an important part of bone strength. Osteomalacia (softening of bone) is a disease in which demineralization leads to an increased risk of fracture. When this affects the bones of growing children, it's called Rickets.

Osteomalacia is different from osteoporosis. Both can increase the risk of fracture. But osteomalacia is a low mineral content in bone. With osteoporosis, the bone is more "porous" and has a reduced mass.

The most common causes of osteomalacia include:

  • Not enough vitamin D
    Vitamin D can be low due to a diet that does not have enough vitamin D or by not getting enough sunlight (less than 10 or 15 minutes daily).
  • Liver or kidney disease
    The body may not be able to regulate vitamin D the way it needs to when these organs are not working properly.
  • Celiac disease
    This is an immune reaction to gluten (a protein in wheat and other grains). It damages the small intestine and can impair how vitamin D is absorbed.
  • Cancer
    Certain tumors can disrupt normal mineral metabolism.
  • Surgery
    The stomach and small intestine play a part in absorbing vitamin D. Surgery that removes or bypasses these parts can lead to low vitamin D levels.
  • Medications
    Drugs taken for seizures, such as phenytoin and Phenobarbital

Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about the health of your bones with your doctor.

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