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Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become thinner and weaker until they can break easily. Often, people with severe cases fracture their hip, spine or wrist. The risk of osteoporosis increases as you get older. Women are more likely to be affected than men, because of hormones. However, osteoporosis can afflict anyone at any age. Osteoporosis does not have symptoms. Years may go by with the bone becoming weaker and weaker until a fracture occurs.
Symptoms
Osteoporosis is a silent condition. The first sign may be a fracture after a fall that would not cause a fracture in someone without the condition. With serious cases, people may develop the dowager's hump, where the vertebrae in the back begin to collapse on each other. The person develops a hunched appearance, which can be painful.
A word of caution: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. You have no way of knowing if your herb or supplement interferes with a health condition you have or a medication you take. You do not know about the purity or quality of a supplement, and much of the research on these substances is scant and questionable. Also, supplements in high concentrations can be dangerous. Your doctor is the best person to talk with about your concerns.
| Herb or Supplement |
Claims |
Potential Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the Experts Say |
| Calcium supplements |
Helps keep bones strong and prevents or slows the disease. |
It is possible to get too much, which can increase your risk for kidney stones. Too much can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination, confusion and irregular heart rhythm. |
We all need calcium for development and maintenance of healthy bones. Your best source is from calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, sardines or a glass of milk. But if you aren't getting enough of these foods, a supplement can help. |
| Horsetail |
Increases rate of bone formation. |
May lower the level of vitamin B1. May cause upset stomach, nerve damage, confusion, problems walking and seeing, amnesia. |
A small and flawed study says horsetail may help with forming new bone. But experts say it is unclear if this actually helps. |
| Magnesium supplements |
Strengthens bones. |
Don't take it if you have heart or kidney disease. Diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness and cramps have been reported. |
Magnesium works with calcium and vitamin D to make and keep strong bones. Women with osteoporosis tend to have low levels of magnesium. It's best to get magnesium through food. Eat foods such as whole grains, beans, nuts and leafy greens. |
| Coral calcium |
Strengthens and maintains bones. |
In the past, coral calcium supplements have contained lead. There is no way to tell if the supplement you are taking has lead. Constipation and upset stomach may occur. |
No evidence says coral calcium works or works any better than a basic calcium supplement You have no idea what's in the supplement, either. Don't bother to take this. |
| Vitamin K supplements |
Keeps bones strong. |
Do not take if you are on blood thinning medications such as Coumadin. Taking high amounts interferes with these medications. |
Skip the supplements. You don't need them. Most people have bacteria in their intestines that make most of the vitamin K they need. Studies have found that people with osteoporosis tend to have low levels of vitamin K. Your best bet is to get the rest from veggies. |
| Vitamin D supplements |
Keeps bones strong. |
Taking more than 1,000 IU daily can cause excessive thirst, poor appetite, weight loss, tiredness, sore eyes, itching skin, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, a need to urinate and muscle problems. Do not take if you have a heart condition or kidney disease. |
This is a hormone made in the body and helps the body use calcium. You probably don't need it. It's added to dairy products and can be made by skin with just a few minutes of sunlight a day. If you are lacking in vitamin D, a multivitamin may help, but first check with your doctor before taking a supplement. Overdoses of this vitamin can be dangerous. |
Dietary modifications
Your diet should include foods and liquids rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, yogurt, most dark leafy greens and some types of fish. Be careful of liquids such as soft drinks and alcohol containing phosphorus, which may interfere with calcium in the body.
Conventional treatments
Estrogens (Estradiol®) help make up for the lower concentrations of estrogen because estrogen may help prevent the weakening of bones. Calcitonin (Calcimar®, Cibacalcin® and Miacalcin®) may help prevent continuing bone loss in women.
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External Sources
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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