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Osteoporosis News: Medicine, Minerals and Menopause
Osteoporosis drugs were recently found to increase bone decay. Options of medicine, nutrition and lifestyle are reviewed.
/Nutrition PR News/ - GLENDALE, CA, January 28, 2008 - A recent report from the Journal of Rheumatology revealed that the osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates increased the risk of bone necrosis (death of bone tissue) by nearly three times (1). At this time, osteoporosis sufferers and those at risk, may benefit from an overview of their treatment options. Out of the 44 million Americans with osteoporosis, 80 percent are women, and the period of menopause or post-menopause is when it most frequently becomes an issue
Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are drugs prescribed for osteoporosis. These are synthetic compounds that inhibit bone resorption (the breaking down of bone) by attaching to the minerals in bone. This may help increase mineral content of bone and bone density. However, besides bone decay, the possible side effects of bisphosphonates include chest pain, stomach ulcers, heartburn, pain with swallowing, and severe bone, joint and muscle pain (2).
Raloxifene
Raloxifene is known as a selective estrogen receptor modulator, because it has tissue-specific effects. This tissue selectivity allows raloxifene to have anti-estrogen effects on breast and uterus tissues and estrogen-like effects on bone and cholesterol. On the manufacturer's web site, they caution that "Serious and life-threatening side effects can occur. These include blood clots and dying from stroke." (3)
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
In some studies of Estrogen Replacement Therapy, women taking estrogen for at least five years after menopause have had a 35 to 50 percent reduction in fractures of the hip, spine and wrist (4). However, in July of 2002 a study was published that was part of The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) which involved more than 16,000 women. The trial was stopped early when data showed that women taking a combination of estrogen and progestin (a synthetic progesterone), had an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events (5).
Mineral Supplements
On the nutritional side, a National Institutes of Health fact sheet says that osteoporosis can result from a chronically low calcium intake, low vitamin D intake, or poor calcium absorption (6). However, taking large amounts of calcium by itself may actually interfere with the absorption of other nutrients such as magnesium. Traditionally, calcium and magnesium have been recommended in a 2 to 1 ratio.
If calcium is not balanced by adequate magnesium or is otherwise taken in excess, possible side effects can include constipation, dryness of mouth, headache or tiredness (7).
Magnesium is an important bone mineral. Bone contains 50 percent of the magnesium in the body. Magnesium is involved in calcium metabolism and the synthesis of vitamin D. Magnesium deficiency was shown to be associated with abnormal calcification of bone in one study of osteoporotic women (8).
Calcium and Menopause
Adelle Davis, the pioneering nutritionist and author of "Let's Get Well" discusses calcium's critical role in women's health. She says: "During the menopause, the lack of ovarian hormones causes severe calcium deficiency symptoms to occur. At these times, large amounts of calcium should be obtained and every step be taken to insure its absorption into the blood. When these precautions are taken and the diet is adequate in other respects, the woman at menopause usually loses her irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps and mental depression."
Calcium Lactate Gluconate
A relatively new form of calcium known as calcium lactate gluconate, was the subject of a study in the journal "Osteoporosis International". Researchers from China and Australia worked with 50 Chinese women and concluded: "The calcium supplement in the form of calcium lactate gluconate was adequately absorbed and was effective in reducing bone loss at the hip. In addition, bone mineral density at the top of the thigh bone increased significantly."
According to the magazine "Innovations in Food Technology", calcium lactate gluconate is highly absorbable, with 10 times greater solubility than calcium gluconate alone and 140 times greater solubility than calcium citrate (10). Natural remedies for osteoporosis, such as Calcium Lift from Nutrition Breakthroughs, have begun to include this highly absorbable form of calcium.
Jobee Knight, a nutritional researcher and founder of Nutrition Breakthroughs in Glendale, California, is someone who fought her own battle against osteoporosis as well as receding gums and teeth. She decided to put her background to use by searching out effective natural ingredients for strengthening bones. The result was Calcium Lift, a unique blend of calcium lactate gluconate, magnesium chloride and Vitamin C.
Cinzia Aversa of Glendale, CA. says: "I have more energy with Calcium Lift, no doubt. I am in a better mood overall. I also have some little arthritis pains here and there and these seem better too. I have gone through heavier physical activity in the last couple of days which normally would give me a lot of muscle pain and back problems (which is my main problem) and this time it has been much easier, with little sore feeling."
Diet and Lifestyle Tips
Be sure to get enough calcium and magnesium. Strong, healthy bones also depend on an adequate intake of trace minerals. Eat a mineral rich diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables. Exercise daily, emphasizing walking, "rebounding" and other weight-bearing exercises. Spend time in the sun regularly. Reduce caffeine consumption and cut down on sugar, white flour, alcohol and tobacco (11).
In the News
Osteoporosis is in the news because it's a part of our lives and we're seeking effective treatment options. Be informed and do your research on any drug-based approach before you swallow it or have it injected. The three "M's" of "Minerals, Maintenance and Movement" may be a good prescription no matter what else you do.
References:
1) Journal of Rheumatology online, Jan., 15, 2008, M. Etminan, PharmD, MSc
2) Drugs.com.
3) Evista.com.
4) Friedenstein AJ. Marrow stromal fibroblasts. Calcif Tissue Int.1995;56(Suppl One):S17.
5) Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results from the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. Jul 2002;288(3):321-33.
6) NIH Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium
7) Drugs.com. Possible side effects from excess calcium
8) Cohen L, Kitzes R. Infrared Spectroscopy and Magnesium Content of Bone Mineral in Osteoporotic Women. Isr J Med Sci. 1981;17:1123-25.
9) Osteoporosis International (Volume 2, Number 4/ July 1992),"The effects of calcium supplementation and exercise on bone density in elderly Chinese women".
10) Dr. Gerhard Gerstner and Dr. Albert Reimann, "Innovations in Food Technology", Issue 16, Aug. 2002.
Lynn A. Kuntz, Food Product Design Magazine, "Elemental Calcium Facts", Jan. 2003 Issue.
11) National Osteoporosis Foundation. NOF osteoporosis prevention - risk factors for osteoporosis
For more information visit www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com, call 866-635-9539, or write to Nutrition Breakthroughs at 1413 Fifth St., Suite D, Glendale, CA. 91201.
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