Osteoporosis: Calcium, Vitamin D, and Prevention

Calcium Supplements
There are many forms of calcium supplements, however Calcium Carbonate has the highest amount of calcium per tablet (capsule). It is also least expensive and has the fewest side effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Oyster shell is an excelIent source of calcium Carbonate.

"Bone Robbers''
Some habits can actually "rob" calcium from your bones. They include eating large amounts of red meat (beef and pork), smoking, excessive alcohol intake, excessive caffeine intake (coffee, tea, cola drinks), and stress. You need to avoid these bone robbers when possible. Patients with a family history of urinary calculi (kidney stones) should contact their urologist or medical doctor regarding calcium intake.

Role of Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to increase the body's proper use of calcium. The diet should include adequate amounts of this vitamin. Vitamin D-fortified milk is a good source of both Vitamin D and calcium. For those who have trouble digesting milk, multi-vitamins are a good source of vitamin D.

The amount of vitamin D needed every day depends on your age. Children should get 400 IU of vitamin D every day (IU is the standard measurement for vitamin D). Adults up to the age of 50 should get 400-800 IU per day, and adults older than 50 should get the most vitamin D of any group: 800-1,000 IU every day.

Role of Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for the development and maintenance of strong healthy bones. Exercise that combines movements—pull and stress on the arms, legs and spine—is best for building bone mass. Walking, jogging, bicycling, and working out on special equipment for muscle strengthening are all excellent.

Treatment
You can actually prevent osteoporosis, if you work on maintaining good bone health throughout your life. To lessen the risk of osteoporosis, you need to reduce any risk factors over which you have control, such as smoking, high caffeine intake, alcohol excess, and stress. Your diet should be high in calcium and vitamin D. For women who have had an early oophorectomy (ovary removal) or hysterectomy before the age of 40, estrogen replacement may be recommended. Where possible, steroid (cortisone) therapy should be minimized.

Therapeutic treatment of osteoporosis is 1500 mgs of elemental calcium daily. Multi-vitamins with minerals (including vitamin D) are recommended daily.

Hormonal replacement by post-menopausal women may be recommended under the direction of your medical doctor or gynecologist. Exercises of walking, swimming or bicycling are suggested at least three times a week.

Studies at several major clinics indicate that fluoride is beneficial in the treatment osteoporosis.

Specific Recommendation:
Calcium
Hormones
Vitamins with Minerals
Exercise