Osteoporosis Facts

Osteoporosis is the failure to maintain enough bone mass in the body. Bone loss can be caused by the vitamin D deficiency disease osteomalacia, use of medications like cortisol and anti-seizure drugs, and cancer.

All women 65 and older should be screened for osteoporosis.  The most accurate screening according to the text book, Contemporary Nutrition Eighth Edition,  involves a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone scan of the whole body. Younger women with associated risk factors are advised to do so at menopause.

Preventing Osteoporosis

Once osteoporosis is present, there is no way to repair the bone damage which makes prevention very important.

Young women should make sure they get the recommended amounts of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other nutrient needs.

Young women should consult with a doctor at any sign of menstrual irregularities as the hormones of regular menstruation contribute to bone maintenance.

Some female athletes and women with anorexia may have issues with lower bone density as thinner women may be prone to lower bone density. However, weightlifting exercises are very beneficial to bone density thanks to increased muscle mass. Weightlifting cannot compensate for the effects of irregular menstruation.

Estrogen replacement therapy is one treatment for bone loss, but it has been shown to increase risks for cardiovascular disease, and strokes. It's mostly used short term only.

As we get older men and women need to take preventative measures. Track your height. A decrease of more than one and a half inches from your young adult years is a sign that significant bone loss has occurred. Older adults need to stay physically active and include weight lifting and resistance exercises to their fitness programs. Also they should get adequate amounts of calcium set for their particular age as well as sun exposure and food sources of vitamin D. If sun exposure cannot be obtained adequately, like in winter, supplements are recommended up to 1000 IU of vitamin D.

At any age avoid smoking and alcohol abuse. Alcohol is toxic to bone cells for men and women. Excessive intakes of phosphorous, caffeine, and sodium are also discouraged. So avoid drinking too many soft drinks stick with water and tea.

For more information about Osteoporosis check out the website of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Calcium supplements Books on Calcium  Facts on Calcium

Books on Calcium  for further research. Calcium supplements

Books on Vitamin D Vitamin D Supplements Facts on vitamin D

Articles and News Stories
Calcium Supplements Increase Risk of Heart Attack
Ordinary calcium supplements taken by the elderly to strengthen bones may boost the risk of heart attacks, according to study.

Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Diseases
Vitamin D influences more than 200 genes. This includes genes related to cancer and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin D affects your DNA through the vitamin D receptors (VDRs), which bind to specific locations of the human genome.

The Vitamin D Battle - Recent government recommendations have increased the daily recommended guidelines for vitamin D, but still some doctors argue for higher daily intakes.

Sources: Contemporary Nutrition Eighth Edition