To evaluate the age-related changes in the bone remodeling rate, the vitamin D status, and parathyroid function of healthy Chinese women, we selected two serum markers of bone turnover, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). These markers as well as vitamin D metabolites and parathyrin (parathyroid hormone, PTH) were tested in healthy Chinese female volunteers aged 18 to 80 years residing in the Taipei urban area. The results showed no significant change with aging in the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) and immunoreactive c-terminal PTH (i-cPTH) serum levels. However, there was a trend towards lower 25(OH)D levels at the two extremes of age. The serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D and i-cPTH were comparable with reports of other countries. The serum 25(OH)D levels of our subjects were in general lower than those reported in U.S. white women, but similar to those of European women. The serum osteocalcin levels showed a triphasic change: high in early adulthood, decreasing during the 4th decade of life and then increasing continuously until age 70. After age 70, a decreasing trend was again seen. The serum ALP levels showed a continuous increase from the 3rd to the 8th decade of life. All of the subjects had their bone mineral density (BMD) measured. Linear or polynominal regression analysis as well as multiple regression analysis failed to show a significant correlation between the serum parameters and the BMD measurements at various sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)