|
There are Many Therapies that may Help Prevent Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a potentially devastating progressive bone disease that results
in decreased bone density and mass. Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million
people in the United States alone, the vast majority of whom are women.
Osteoporosis results in a condition where a woman's bones become thin, weak and
more susceptible to factures, particularly those of the hip, spine and wrist.
More than 1.3 million osteoporosis related fractures are reported every year in
the United States.
Osteoporosis results when an imbalance occurs between the normal breakdown and
formation of bone in the body. Much of the bone loss that occurs in women with
the disease is largely the result of menopause, or age related.
Generally starting at about the age of 35 bone density in women beings to
decline. Women are particularly at risk because the female hormone estrogen,
which helps maintain bone mass, rapidly declines with age, particularly as a
result of menopause.
What are the Risk Factors for Developing Osteoporosis?
As mentioned women are particularly at risk for developing osteoporosis. Even
among women other risk factors have been identified, including:
- Advanced age.
- Thin or small bone frame.
- Family history of the disease.
- Post menopausal status.
- Eating disorders or history of eating disorders including bulimia or
anorexia.
- Low dietary intake of calcium.
- Chronic use of certain medications including corticosteroids.
- Excessive alcohol abuse.
- Smoking.
- Lack of exercise.
Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis
Fortunately there are many therapies available that may help prevent bone loss
and even promote new bone formation in women.
The first step however is prevention. Osteoporosis can be prevented if adequate
levels of nutrition are ensured among women. Of particular importance is
adequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D works synergistically
with calcium, aiding the body in metabolism and absorption.
Studies suggest that adequate calcium intake from the time of childhood is
associated with higher bone mass in adulthood, and thus a decreased risk for
osteoporosis.
Women who have a reported chronic low calcium intake are much more likely to
have reduced bone mass as they age.
What are the Recommendations for Building Stronger Bones? Calcium Supplementation
The current guidelines recommended are a minimum of 1000 mg of calcium in
pre-menopausal women, and 1500 mg in postmenopausal women who are not taking
estrogen therapy.
The daily intake of calcium should not exceed 2000 mg however.
Some patients may require higher intake however, if they have underlying
gastrointestinal disorders which may result in mal-absorption of calcium and
thus, higher than normal calcium requirements. Certain medications may also
promote the excretion of calcium from the body.
It is vital that you work with your health care provider to establish a safe and
effective level of calcium intake. Calcium can be acquired through the diet in
addition to supplementation.
Foods that are high in calcium include dairy products such as milk, yogurt and
cheese, certain vegetables including broccoli and fortified juices such as
orange juice.
Most health care providers recommend routine supplementation in addition to
dietary intake to ensure adequate absorption of calcium. Some forms of calcium
are less easily absorbed in the body than others.
Preparations that contain calcium carbonate are less easily absorbed by the body
than supplements containing calcium citrate or calcium lactate. Be sure to check
the label on any supplement you purchase to determine the form of calcium the
supplement is providing.
Studies also suggest that supplementation should be divided into 500 mg doses
during the day, so that the body's absorption of calcium in a single sitting
does not 'plateau' preventing the maximum benefit from supplementation.
Regular supplementation with calcium and a healthy lifestyle that includes
adequate exercise and a well balanced diet can all reduce your risk for
developing osteoporosis.
Vitamin D Supplementation
Vitamin D is important for strong bones. Calcium cannot be absorbed without
vitamin D. Fortified milk is a good source for Vitamin D. Sunlight helps your
skin produce vitamin D after being in the sun for just 15 minutes a day. If you
don't wish to be exposed to the sun you can take a vitamin D supplement.
However, a woman should not take more than 5-10 micrograms each day. Too much
vitamin D can cause health problems.
Exercise to help Prevent Osteoporosis
Women who exercise prudently for at least 30 minutes three times per week
will improve their bone mass. Premenopausal women who do exercise will increase
bone mass and postmenopausal women who exercise will slow the loss of bone.
Bones are strengthened by having the muscles pull on them while exercising. If
you do not exercise bone loss will occur.
Most exercise programs that are good for the heart are also beneficial for
preventing bone loss. It is never too late to start an exercise program; even
walking a little is helpful.
Treatment for Osteoporosis
Boniva a once-a-month
pill to combat the bone-weakening condition osteoporosis was approved March 21,
2005 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The approved once-monthly
oral Ibandronate (Boniva) 150 mg tablets, is the first and only once-a- month
drug for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The most common side
effects include high blood pressure, abdominal pain, upset stomach, nausea and
diarrhea.
Evista is a pill that is approved for prevention and treatment of
osteoporosis and may prevent breast cancer. It increases bone density and
reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures. Evista also reduces LDL
cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Two clinical trials have shown that women taking
Evista had 60% fewer cases of invasive breast cancer than the control group (not
taking medicine). Evista is becoming the first-line drug of prevention of
osteoporosis.
Fosamax is an effective drug for the treatment and prevention of
osteoporosis. It is used to reduce bone destruction. The medicine is taken on an
empty stomach before breakfast with a full glass of water once a week. Fosamax
works best when taken with calcium and vitamin D supplements. Weight-bearing
exercises, like walking, should be performed as well.
Actonel is also a good choice for the treatment of women with
osteoporosis. Like fosamax, it reduces the risk of bone destruction and will
decrease the possibility of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.
Estrogen/Progestin therapy is no longer the first-line approach for
the treatment of osteoporosis because of the risk of breast cancer, stroke,
blood clots and heart attack. The only indication for the use of
estrogen-progestin now is to treat menopausal symptoms. Estrogen/progestin
therapy should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Remember
If you are at risk for this potentially debilitating disease, be sure to consult
with your physician to ensure that preventive steps are taken early on so you
can enjoy the best possible health outcome for years to come. Remember to
prevent bone loss you should exercise regularly and eat foods rich in calcium.
Related:
Hormone Therapy Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Recommendations for Bone Density Screening for Osteoporosis
|
