Complementary Treatments for Osteoporosis

Indisputable research has shown that bisphosphonates such as Fosamax increase bone strength and density and strength, reduce the incidence of fractures and, when taken orally in normal doses for treating osteoporosis carry very low risk. People seeking alternatives to Fosamax should instead think in terms of complements to Fosamax and should consult their physician.

Still, there are many things you can do to treat osteoporosis that will work with any prescription therapy your physician may have recommended.

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation

In theory, we should be getting adequate amounts of calcium from our diet and vitamin D from diet and exposure to ultraviolet light. In fact, though, many older Americans in particular do not get enough calcium. As for vitamin D, as people spend more time indoors and stay covered up and slathered with sunscreen (because of the risk of skin cancer), we may not get enough vitamin D either.

It is crucial, especially for older people, to get adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, whether to work in concert with an osteoporosis drug or by themselves in patients who have not yet experienced levels of bone loss demanding prescription treatment.

Multiple studies have shown that calcium supplementation increases bone mineral density. Recommended doses vary with age, but in general, individuals over the age of 50 should strive to get 1200mg of calcium per day. Since you can't absorb more than 600mg in one sitting, you need to divide this into at least two doses and supplements should be taken with meals for better absorption.

Vitamin D in conjunction with calcium also has a positive effect on bone mineral density and has been shown to reduce fractures. In a group of women followed for 18 months, supplementing with 1200 mg of calcium and 800 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day, there was a 43% reduction in hip fractures.

Recommended intake of vitamin D is a mere 200 IU per day before the age of 50, going up to 400 IU and then increasing again to 600 IU at age 70, but many clinicians recommend supplementing with 800-1000 IU per day.

Lifestyle

Exercise is fundamental not only for improving bone mineral density, as is the case for weight bearing and resistance exercises (such as walking and weight lifting, respectively). In addition, improved strength and balance from exercise reduce the risk of falling in the first place.

Smoking hurts more than the lungs: it actually reduces bone mineral density and increases estrogen metabolism (which contributes to bone loss).

Caffeine and alcohol, being diuretics, lead to calcium leaching and possibly bone loss at high enough levels. Two or more cups of caffeinated drinks and more than seven drinks per week increase the chance of fractures.

Conclusion

So in short: more calcium, vitamin D and exercise. Less smoking, coffee and alcohol. That may sound tough, but it's not as tough as a broken hip.

Again, these are not meant as Fosamax alternatives or replacements, but as sensible health tips that should be coupled with any prescription regimen from your doctor.

References

• Hosam K. Kamel, "Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: Etiology, Current Diagnostic Strategies, and Nonprescription Interventions," Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy, 2006; 12(6) (suppl S-a):S4-S9.
• Matthew T. Drake, Bart L. Clarke and Sundeep Khosla, "Bisphosphonates: Mechanism of Action and Role in Clinical Practice" (review article), Mayo Clinic Proceedings, September, 2008; 80(9):1032–1045.