Osteoporosis is often called a silent disabler. In the US alone, there are about 15 million osteoporotic fractures yearly.

Osteoporosis is called a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences because most bone is “built” between the ages of 13 and 19. After the age of 35, we gradually lose bone.

Nutritional Guidelines

• Nutrient synergy is a very important concept because the body cannot build bone without an adequate supply of calories, protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
• Supplementation is frequently necessary because dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D is often inadequate. Vitamin D can be derived from sunshine but sunscreens can block out that conversion, and many older folks have minimal exposure to the sun.
• A frequent problem with calcium supplementation is constipation. Calcium appears to cause constipation with some people; however, a nutrient often found in calcium supplements is MAGNESIUM. Magnesium is another important bone-building nutrient, especially in childhood. Magnesium actually helps avoid constipation - remember “milk of magnesia”? Suggest a calcium supplement with magnesium if a patient complains about constipation after taking calcium supplements.

For more information on bone health, try the following resources:

• National Osteoporosis Foundation
• NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center
• International Osteoporosis Foundation
• NIH Consensus Development Panel Statement on Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment