osteoporosis

Question 1

prevalence of fracture due to osteoporosis

Answer 1

• 1/3 women and 1/12 men will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis

Question 2

what is osteoporosis

Answer 2

o A systemic skeletal disease characterized by the deterioration of the microarchitecture of bone tissue and low bone mineral density
o Results in fragile bones and increased risk of fracture. Also frequently causes kyphosis which can cause decreased lung capacity, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, and prematue satiety

Question 3

increased risk of osteoporosis in?

Answer 3

o Elderly
• Although bone turnover occurs throughout life after age 30-35 bone resorption exceeds bone formation
• Calcium absorption decreases with age and PTH levels increase with age

o	Use of certain medications:
•	Glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones (in excess), antiepileptics, aromatase inhibitors
o	Sedentary lifestyle
o	Decreased exposure to estrogen
o	High sodium intake 
o	Caffeine 
o	Smoking 
o	Chronic alcohol consumption

Question 4

natural treatment of osteoporosis

Answer 4

– Not Just Calcium!
o Vitamin D – stimulates Ca absorption and deposition into bone
o Magnesium – is required for bone mineralization and is a cofactor for alkaline phosphatase
o Vitamin C and K – required for synthesis of various proteins found in bone (i.e. collagen, osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein)
o Folic acid, B12, B6 – people with genetic homocysteinemia develop osteoporosis at an early age
o Copper – involved in crosslinking of collagen in bone and plays a role in osteoblast activity
o Manganese – needed for bone mineralization and synthesis of connective tissue in bone
o Zinc – cofactor for alkaline phosphatase
o Phosphorus – make up large part of bone crystal and the elderly may not get enough
o Strontium – component of hydroxy appetite crystal, stimulate bone formation, inhibits resorption, improves bone mineral density
• However in high doses may make poor quality bone and actually increase risk of rickets with high dosages
• Protective effects decrease after 1 year
• Caution with high doses over long periods of time
o Boron – modulates extracellular matrix turnover, enhanced positive action of estradiol on bone, promotes absorption and retention of minerals in bone
o Silicon – required for crosslinking of collagen in bone
o Adequate protein intake
o Overall acid load
o Decrease intake of sodium, alcohol, caffeine and soft drinks
o Smoking cessation
o Balance hormones
o Weight bearing exercise!!!