Treatment FAQ

what mineral is most important for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis?

by Willa Schamberger Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Calcium is probably the nutrient you think of first. But vitamin D is just as important for keeping bones strong and preventing the bone disease osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps your intestines absorb calcium from the food you eat.Oct 25, 2020

Symptoms

Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake provides sufficient levels for bone formation and bone density maintenance; it ultimately reduces hip fracture risk in osteopenic and osteoporotic patients and decreases the incidence of falls in at-risk older adults.

Causes

Calcium is the healthy bone mineral. About 99 percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth. It is the mineral that makes them hard and strong.

Prevention

Two infusion medications — those that are injected directly into your vein — have been approved for osteoporosis treatment: Ibandronate (Boniva), infused once every three months. Zoledronic acid (Reclast), infused once a year.

Complications

Osteoporosis: Prevention With Calcium Treatment. Calcium is a mineral that the body needs for good health. Calcium is found naturally in some foods and is added to others. It also is available as a nutrition supplement and is contained in some medicines like Tums. About 99 percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth.

What vitamins and minerals are good for osteoporosis?

What is the most important bone mineral?

What is the best treatment for osteoporosis?

Can calcium help prevent osteoporosis?

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What mineral helps prevent osteoporosis?

calciumAdults need calcium to maintain strong bones. Over time, inadequate calcium intake can cause osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease.

What is the treatment and prevention for osteoporosis?

Diet, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise can help to prevent osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, medical treatment can prevent further bone loss and reduce your risk of bone fractures.

What is the most effective treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill.

What is the best natural treatment for osteoporosis?

While more scientific research is needed on the subject, some herbs and supplements are believed to reduce or potentially stop the bone loss caused by osteoporosis.Red clover. Red clover is thought to contain estrogen-like compounds. ... Soy. ... Black cohosh. ... Horsetail. ... Acupuncture. ... Tai chi. ... Melatonin.

What is the mineral that makes bones and teeth strong?

Calcium is the healthy bone mineral. About 99% of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth. It's the mineral that makes them hard and strong. The remaining 1% is needed for many activities that help keep the body functioning normally. Calcium helps blood vessels contract (narrow) and expand, makes muscles contract, ...

Which group of women has the highest risk of osteoporosis?

Post-menopausal white and Asian women are at the highest risk for osteoporosis. About 25% of women with osteoporosis will develop a vertebral deformity, and 15% will break a hip. Osteoporosis also causes broken hips in men, although not as often as in women.

What foods have the highest calcium content?

Here are some easy guidelines for selecting foods high in calcium: Dairy products have the highest calcium content. Dairy products include milk, yogurt and cheese. A cup (8 ounces) of milk contains 300 mg of calcium. The calcium content is the same for skim, low fat and whole milk. Dark green, leafy vegetables contain high amounts of calcium.

How to tell if you have osteoporosis?

A technology called dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the state-of-the-art technique for measuring bone mineral density (how much calcium is in the bones) and to diagnose osteoporosis.

Why do children need calcium?

Children need calcium to build strong bones. Adults need calcium to maintain strong bones. Over time, inadequate calcium intake can cause osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease. People with osteoporosis are at high risk for broken bones, especially at the wrist, hip and spine.

How to get enough calcium?

The best way to get enough calcium every day is to eat a variety of healthy foods from all the different food groups. Getting enough vitamin D every day from foods like enriched milk or from natural sunlight is important to help the body absorb and use calcium from food.

Is calcium a mineral?

Calcium is a mineral that the body needs for good health. Calcium is found naturally in some foods and is added to others. It also is available as a nutrition supplement and is contained in some medicines like Tums®.

Who developed the Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis?

The Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis was developed by an expert committee of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) in collaboration with a multispecialty council of medical experts in the field of bone health convened by NOF.

What is the osteoporosis guide?

This Guide offers concise recommendations regarding prevention, risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men age 50 and older. It includes indications for bone densitometry and fracture risk thresholds for intervention with pharmacologic agents. The absolute risk thresholds at which consideration of osteoporosis treatment is recommended were guided by a cost-effectiveness analysis.

How much does zoledronic acid reduce hip fractures?

Zoledronic acid reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures by 70 % (with significant reduction at 1 year), hip fractures by 41 % , and nonvertebral fractures by 25 % over 3 years in patients with osteoporosis defined by prevalent vertebral fractures and osteoporosis by BMD of the hip [66]. Drug administration .

What is the FDA approved treatment for osteoporosis?

Denosumab, brand name Prolia® . Denosumab is approved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fracture. Denosumab reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures by about 68 %, hip fractures by about 40 %, and nonvertebral fractures by about 20 % over 3 years [56].

How often should you do BMD testing?

Perform BMD testing 1 to 2 years after initiating medical therapy for osteoporosis and every 2 years thereafter.

What is the T score for osteopenia?

In postmenopausal women and men age 50 and older with low bone mass (T-score between −1.0 and −2.5, osteopenia) at the femoral neck, total hip, or lumbar spine by DXA and a 10-year hip fracture probability ≥3 % or a 10-year major osteoporosis-related fracture probability ≥20 % based on the USA-adapted WHO absolute fracture risk model (Fracture Risk Algorithm (FRAX®); www.NOF.organd www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX)

How many fractures are attributed to osteoporosis?

Economic toll. Annually, two million fractures are attributed to osteoporosis, causing more than 432,000 hospital admissions, almost 2.5 million medical office visits, and about 180,000 nursing home admissions in the USA [1].

How many people will be affected by osteoporosis in 2025?

Osteoporosis, defined as low bone mass leading to increased fracture risk, is a major health problem that affects approximately 10 million Americans. The aging U.S. population is predicted to contribute to as much as a 50% increase in prevalence by 2025. Although common, osteoporosis can be clinically silent, and without prevention and screening, the costs of osteoporotic fracture–related morbidity and mortality will burden the U.S. healthcare system. This is a particularly relevant concern in the context of diminishing health care resources. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is the most widely used, validated technique for measuring bone mineral density (BMD) and diagnosing osteoporosis. Cost-effectiveness analyses support early detection and treatment of high-risk patients with antiresorptive medications such as bisphosphonates. Moreover, optimization of bone health throughout life can help prevent osteoporosis. Current guidelines recommend screening women by age 65 years, but because no guidelines for screening intervals exist, decisions are made on the basis of clinical judgment alone. Although the recent literature provides some guidance, this review further explores current recommendations in light of newer evidence to provide more clarity on prevention, screening, and management strategies for patients with osteoporosis in the primary care setting.

What is the BMD of a bone?

BMD is reported as a T-score, defined as the difference in number of standard deviations (SDs) from the mean BMD of a normally distributed, healthy adult reference population7; it is expressed as a negative number. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines osteoporosis as a BMD greater than 2.5 SDs below the average. Normal bone is no more than 1 SD below this value, and osteopenia is 1 to 2.5 SD below average. Severe osteoporosis is BMD greater than 2.5 SD below average and one or more fragility fractures.7These criteria were developed using epidemiologic data.7The WHO BMD diagnostic classification should not be applied to men younger than 50 years or premenopausal women.3The International Society of Clinical Densitometry guidelines recommend preferential use of the Z-score—which is calculated in the same way as the T-score but uses an age-matched normal population for comparison—to evaluate BMD in women from age 20 years through menopause.8A Z-score more negative than −2.0 would be considered clinically significant; in postmenopausal women, it may indicate secondary causes of osteoporosis.

How much calcium is needed to take a day?

Calcium: 1,200 mg/day (from diet or supplement)

Is vitamin D good for bone health?

Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake provides sufficient levels for bone formation and bone density maintenance; it ultimately reduces hip fracture risk in osteopenic and osteoporotic patients and decreases the incidence of falls in at-risk older adults. Supplementation has long been considered important for primary and secondary prevention, but concern about potential risks of supplementation and the unclear balance of benefits and harms has led to a recent change in guidelines. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently recommended “against daily supplementation with 400 IU or less of vitamin D3and 1,000 mg or less of calcium for the primary prevention of fractures in noninstitutionalized postmenopausal women.”16They also cite insufficient evidence regarding the balance of benefits and harms of any daily supplementation of calcium and vitamin D for primary fracture prevention in premenopausal women or men16and are unable to make recommendations on higher doses of calcium and vitamin D, citing a lack of evidence. Their conclusions were based on a meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials and 28 observational studies showing that the benefits of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for fracture risk reduction were setting-dependent. The prior USPSTF statement regarding the benefit of vitamin D supplementation to prevent falls in at-risk community-dwelling older adults has not changed.16In 2010, the Institute of Medicine published specific recommendations about calcium and vitamin D supplementation.17Daily calcium and vitamin D intake recommendations from various organizations are reviewed in Table 3.

Is calcium a good supplement for cardiovascular health?

Calcium intake above 1,200 to 1,500 mg/day has limited benefit and possibly an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and nephrolithiasis.3Supplementation recently has become controversial. Whereas some authors have shown a positive correlation between calcium supplementation and cardiovascular risk, presumably through vascular calcifications and increased coagulability,24the Women's Health Initiative showed no statistically significant effect on any cardiovascular outcome with combined vitamin D (400 IU) and calcium supplementation (1,000 mg calcium carbonate).25Moreover, results 4.9 years after the combined supplementation intervention showed no effect on cardiovascular disease or all-cause mortality and no decrease in hip fracture or colorectal cancer incidence.26Dietary calcium has not been linked to increased cardiovascular risk at normal levels,24but one study observed increased cardiovascular risk when dietary calcium intake exceeded 1,400 mg/day and supplements were also taken.27More research is needed to clarify the relationship between calcium and cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, patients should strive to obtain sufficient calcium through their diets. Table 4reviews literature regarding calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Does vitamin D cause hypercalcemia?

The most common adverse effects of vitamin D supplementation are hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria.19Limited studies have observed a small increase in nephrolithiasis.19,21Recent research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome, and increased risk of cardiovascular events, whereas supplementation is associated with better survival.22–24This has yet to be confirmed by a randomized clinical trial, but such studies are underway.24

Is osteoporosis preventable?

Osteoporosis was previously considered a normal part of aging, but it is now understood to be preventable and treatable. 9Many interventions reduce fracture risk in the general population and can be used for primary and secondary prevention. These strategies include adequate combined calcium and vitamin D intake (calcium alone has not been shown to reduce fractures), antiresorptive therapy, weight-bearing exercise, tobacco avoidance, moderate alcohol intake, and avoidance of trip or fall hazards.3

How many supplements are there for osteoporosis?

This article examines the research behind 11 supplements associated with managing and preventing osteoporosis, including any potential drawbacks.

What foods are good for osteoporosis?

Given that more research is needed on the role of vitamin K supplements on osteoporosis and related fractures, it may be best to consume foods rich in vitamin K, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts.

What percentage of women with osteoporosis have low magnesium levels?

One study in 51 postmenopausal women found that 40% of women with osteoporosis or low bone density had low circulating magnesium levels ( 14 ).

What is the progressive disease that affects bone density and quality?

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that affects bone density and quality, leading to an increased risk of bone fractures and reductions in quality of life ( 1. Trusted Source.

Why is zinc important for bone growth?

Zinc is important for bone growth, and higher zinc levels have been linked to better bone density scores. Additionally, low levels of zinc have been found in women with osteoporosis and low bone density ( 19. Trusted Source. , 50.

How much magnesium should I take a day?

The RDI for magnesium is 310–320 mg per day for people ages 19–30 years and 400–420 mg per day for people ages 31 and older. Needs are also slightly elevated during pregnancy and breastfeeding ( 13 ).

Why are older people less effective at synthesizing vitamin D?

Additionally, due to naturally occurring changes in the skin with age, older adults may be less effective at synthesizing vitamin D ( 60 ).

What are the minerals that help bone?

Minerals for Bone Health. Calcium is the most important mineral for bone health. However, there are other minerals that play an important role as well. The good news is that a balanced diet provides adequate nutrients for most people—without the need for expensive supplementation. Here’s a snapshot of some mineral super-stars ...

Why is magnesium important for the body?

Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA. Magnesium is important for healthy bones. People with higher intakes of magnesium have a higher bone mineral density, which is important in reducing the risk ...

What foods can you eat to get magnesium?

You can get recommended amounts of magnesium by eating a variety of foods, including the following: Sources of Magnesium: Chocolate, green leafy vegetables (such as spinach), legumes, milk, yogurt and milk products, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and hard water. It is added to some fortified breakfast cereals and foods.

What are the sources of phosphorus?

Sources of Phosphorus: Cereals, dairy products, eggs, fish, meat, poultry, legumes (lentils, kidney beans, peas), nuts, and grains (bread, tortillas, brown rise, oatmeal), and vegetables such as potatoes and asparagus. Read the Office of Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet on Phosphorus.

What foods contain copper?

Sources of Copper: Avocados, chickpeas, nuts (cashews), mushrooms, beef liver, oysters, potatoes, wheat-bran cereals, whole grains, tofu, and chocolate. Read the Office of Dietary Supplements Facts Sheet on Copper.

Why do vegetarians need zinc?

Vegetarians because they do not eat meat, which is a good source of zinc. Also, the beans and grains they typically eat have compounds that keep zinc from being fully absorbed by the body. For this reason, vegetarians might need to eat as much as 50% more zinc than the recommended amounts.

Why is copper important?

Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. Copper also helps maintain the nervous and immune systems, and activates genes. Your body also needs copper for brain development.

Which type of osteoporosis occurs in those who are postmenopausal and deficient in estrogen?

Primary osteoporosis occurs in those who are postmenopausal and deficient in estrogen.

How to prevent fractures?

The most important step for prevention of fractures is to strengthen and protect your bones. This can be accomplished through medications and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and beginning a strength-training program.

What is the most serious type of osteoporosis fracture?

A hip fracture is the most serious type of osteoporosis fracture.

What is the silent disease of bone?

It is considered a silent disease, meaning there are no other symptoms until a fracture occurs. The increased risk of fractures with osteoporosis can make you more susceptible to chronic pain and disability. 1

What is the most common type of bone fracture?

This can lead to an increased risk of fractures. The most common types of fractures include vertebral (spine), hip, and arm fractures. The best way to prevent fractures is to take measures to avoid falls.

What is the best treatment for a vertebral fracture?

Treatment for vertebral fractures includes pain management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or aspirin), neuropathic pain drugs like gabapentin, and sometimes opioids.

What is the most common treatment for hip fractures?

While surgery to correct the broken bone or replace it is the most common treatment for hip fractures, there are some less-invasive options that can work for certain fractures of the hip that occur with osteoporosis.

Calcium

Roughly 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the skeleton, which is why calcium is one of the most important nutrients for bone health. 2

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an equally important role as calcium in bone health. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, the body’s ability to absorb calcium is hindered, which can lead to a deficiency and an increase in bone loss.

Magnesium

Magnesium supports the function of muscles and nerves; the regulation of blood pressure and insulin metabolism; and reproduction. The mineral is also vital for healthy bones. Close to 60% of the body’s stores of magnesium are found in bone tissue. 10

Vitamin K

Research has found that vitamin K helps to regulate bone remodeling. Being deficient in vitamin K can lead to an increase in bone loss, especially for women.

Soy Isoflavones

Soy isoflavones are organic micronutrients found in soy and other plants (polyphenols). When you consume soy isoflavones, they act like the hormone estrogen in your body and activate certain estrogen receptors.

Zinc

Studies have found a direct correlation between the amount of zinc a person gets and their level of bone density.

Summary

Although supplementation alone will not reverse osteoporosis, it can be an additional form of treatment to help prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

What is the best treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: 1 Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill 2 Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill 3 Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion 4 Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion

Which osteoporosis medication is usually tried first?

Which osteoporosis medications are usually tried first? Bisphosphonates are usually the first choice for osteoporosis treatment. These include: Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill. Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion.

What is the condition of bisphosphonates and denosumab?

A very rare complication of bisphosphonates and denosumab is a break or crack in the middle of the thighbone. This injury, known as atypical femoral fracture, can cause pain in the thigh or groin that begins subtly and may gradually worsen.

How does osteoporosis medication work?

Because bone rebuilding cannot keep pace, bones deteriorate and become weaker. Most osteoporosis medications work by reducing the rate at which your bones break down. Some work by speeding up the bone-building process. Either mechanism strengthens bone and reduces your risk of fractures.

How to prevent fractures in bones?

Exercise. Weight-bearing physical activity and exercises that improve balance and posture can strengthen bones and reduce the chance of a fracture. The more active and fit you are as you age, the less likely you are to fall and break a bone.

Can estrogen be used for osteoporosis?

It's now usually reserved for women at high risk of fracture who can't take other osteoporosis drugs.

Can denosumab cause osteonecrosis?

Bisphosphonates and denosumab can also cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare condition in which a section of jawbone is slow to heal or fails to heal, typically after a tooth is pulled or other invasive dental work.

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Health

Benefits

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Shreenidhi Kulkarni
Symptoms
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of Osteoporosis, seek medical attention immediately.

There will be no symptoms in the early stage and most often remain unnoticed for decades. Bone fracture can be first sign or symptom. Both men and women show similar symptoms.

  • Stooped posture
  • Pain is associated with the fracture
  • Location of pain depends on the Location of the fracture
  • Repeated spine fracture can lead to lower back Pain
  • Hip fracture can occur as slip and fall accidents
  • Hip fracture may heal slowly

Causes

  • Caused due to multiple reasons. The most common causes may include:
  • Lack of exercise
  • Malnutrition – poor nutrition and good health due to inflammation or other disease condition
  • Chemotherapy drugs – chemical drugs used to treat various types of cancer
  • Low calcium diet
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Chronic inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hyperthyroidism – a condition in which too much thyroid hormone is produced by thyroid gland
  • Low testosterone (sex hormone) levels in men
  • Genetic disorders inherited from family
  • The risk factors include:
  • Age: 50 years or older are more prone to have osteoporosis
  • Sex: women are more prone to osteoporosis
  • Family history
  • Menopause
  • Low body weight
  • Smoking
  • Poor nutrition

Prevention

Preventing falls

  • Add calcium and vitamin D in your diet
  • Eat balanced healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
  • Quit smoking
  • Advisable to wear low-heeled shoes with rubber soles and warm boots in winter
  • Use support while using steps. Avoid walking on slippery floors

Complications

If untreated it may lead to complications such as:

  • Fracture in the hip and spine which may result in disability.
  • Back pain, lost height and hunched posture are result of this condition.

Causes

Sources

Prevention

Diet

Advantages

Variations

Toxicity

Safety

Effects

Symptoms

Epidemiology

Diagnosis

Resources

  • Children need calcium to build strong bones. Adults need calcium to maintain strong bones. Over time, inadequate calcium intake can cause osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease. People with osteoporosis are at high risk for broken bones, especially at the wrist, hip and spine. These fractures cause chronic (long-lasting) pain and disability, loss o...
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