Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease in which bones become fragile and susceptible to fracture. Bone mass is low in this disease and usually is not symptomatic until a fracture occurs.  Common sites include the hip, spine or wrist.

Risk factors of osteoporosis include:

• Thin, small-boned frame
• Prior fracture or family history of osteoporotic fracture
• Estrogen deficiency(early menopause or late presentation of menstrual cycles)
• Advanced age
• Low calcium intake
• Caucasian and Asian women(African American and Hispanic also but lower risk)
• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol intake – excessive
• Certain medications(used in treatment of lupus, asthma, thyroid deficiencies, and seizures)

African American women – usually are undertreated because not usually associated as having osteoporosis.  As they age, their risk for hip fracture doubles every 7 years as well as the possibility to die from the fracture.  The risk is also increased in diseases more prevalent in African Americans like lupus and sickle cell.  Finally,  severe calcium deficiency(<50 percent) is seen because of inadequate intake largely seen in those lactose intolerant to calcium rich milk and other dairy products.

Prevention:

Diet that includes calcium and vitamin D

Regular exercise

Healthy lifestyle – avoid smoking and minimal alcohol intake

Diagnosis:

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry – measures bone density

Treatment: there is no cure!  The following FDA approved medications are used to prevent progression of the disease and reduce risk of fractures:

• Bisphosphonates – Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Reclast
• Calcitonin
• Evista
• Forteo
• Hormonal treatment

Natural Options:

• Calcium – complexes such as citrate, citrate-malate, chelate or hydroxyappatite.  500-600mg twice daily
• Magnesium – 250 to 350mg twice daily(reduce if diarrhea occurs).  Needed for calcium metabolism
• Vitamin D – 800-1200 IU daily with osteoporosis and 400 IU daily for prevention. It improves intestinal calcium absorption and decreases urinary excretion of calcium
• Vitamin K – helps in attracting calcium to bone matrix. Take 2 to 10 mg daily and up to 500 mcg daily for prevention.  Avoid if on blood thinners
• Ipriflavone – may help increase bone density when used with calcium, vitamin D or hormone replacement. However, may reduce lymphocytes.
• Essential fatty acids – 4 grams of fish oil a day.  Fatty acids improve calcium absorption and deposition into the bone.
• Strontium – 680 mg daily helps improve bone density.

 As always, these recommendations should be discussed with your primary care physician before usage.

Source: U.S. Food & Drug Association