Osteoporosis is the process that pulls minerals from the bones. It is commonly seen as a process of aging. The bones become fragile and can fracture easily. This is more commonly seen in females but it affects approximately 1-2 million men in the United States.

Today we want to live not only longer, but active lives. Hence, the issue of
osteoporosis is critical to large numbers of people.

One of the main reasons for osteoporosis is a decrease of the production of two hormones, estrogen and growth hormone.

When the drug Fosamax and other bisphosphonates were introduced 20 years ago we thought that it would slow the epidemic of fractures in older women. Today, after years of use, we know that while bisphosphonates cause a reduction in fracture risk by increasing bone density, they limit the bones flexibility. While bone loss is prevented, new bone is not created.

The good news: there are simple nutrients we can use to either decrease bone loss or increase bone production.

Vitamin K has demonstrated it will slow bone loss and at the same time help grow new bone. The doses required, however, are much higher than previous recommendations.

New science indicates that 45 milligrams of Vit K is more effective in this regard than 300 micrograms, the previous recommendation. (1000 milligram = 1 microgram.)

However, we need to bear in mind that Vit K is an element in blood clotting defense so it needs to be used with caution, even though it is an over-the-counter supplement. I advise patients to use Vit K with the supervision of a physician.

Strontium is another bone-building nutrient that has shown wide promise. The results of a strontium study in Germany shows the degree of its success. Women taking strontium had about half the fracture risk of women who didn’t. Over three years, bone density in the spine increased 15 percent.

Ipriflavone, a semi-synthetic isoflavone derived from soy also affects the bones, slowing bone loss in much the same way as estrogen. However, we must note Ipriflavone has a downside. In a very small number of people it decreases white blood cells, so we monitor its levels when part of a patient’s regime.

Of course, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D3 (prescribed in much larger doses than health maintenance) are well known for their positive benefits in building bone.

Decisions about dosage and what type of Calcium are usually made after accounting a patient’s constitution, mineral status, metabolic type (which greatly influences how nutrients are utilized in the body) and general health.

To prevent toxic reaction we measure liver function and Vitamin D3 levels before beginning high-dose therapy.

While nutrient supplementation is important, there are two essential treatments that cannot be overemphasized: Diet and exercise. Even the best supplement regime will not succeed against a very poor diet. Sugar and caffeine in large amounts contribute to poor bone health, while a regime of mild aerobics (walking) and weight resistance exercise will add years to your bone health (the latter by increasing the body’s growth hormone production). A good book on this subject is
Miriam Nelson’s “Strong Women Stay Young”.