Nutritional Factors in Osteoporosis

The incidence of osteoporosis increases with age, and is develops at an earlier
age in woman than in men. About 55 % of Americans, women more so than men, are
at risk of developing osteoporosis. This disease is characterized by a
demineralization of the bones, which become porous and fragile, this causing a
higher susceptibility to fractures.

Bone is largely calcium in nature, but it is only now becoming more obvious that
calcium intake is but one of many nutritional concerns that must be addressed in
order to effectively treat osteoporosis.

FACT #1: The human adult requires approximately 200 mg of elemental calcium per
day, requiring a nutritional allowance is approximately 1,000 mg per day. Too
much calcium causes malabsorption of other nutrients. With calcium intake, more
may be less.

FACT #2: Taking a properly balanced mineral supplement minimizes the danger of
taking too much calcium.

FACT #3: Most commercially available vitamin/mineral supplements are worthless
because they present the minerals in a poorly absorbed, inorganic form. It is
better that you should keep your money in your pocket than to purchase this
junk.


Dietary Phosphoric Acid Accelerates Osteoporosis

Diet influences development of osteoporosis. Intake of phosphoric acid can
dramatically accelerate the development of osteoporosis. Cola beverages are the
greatest dietary/environmental risk in this regard. Phosphoric acid is present
in high concentration in cola beverages, and consuming phosphoric acid will
worsen calcium deficiency and weaken bone.

FACT #4: Phosphoric acid intake, in the form of carbonated soft-drinks can
hasten the development of osteoporosis.

Vitamin K-2

Vitamin K-2 is member of a lesser known vitamin group. Vitamin K-2 stimulates
bone formation by way of hormone-regulation, and Vitamin K-2 reduces the
incidence of vertebral fractures, despite having only modest direct effects on
the bone mineral density. Vitamins K-1 and K-3 are inactive in this regard.

Vitamin K-2 is found in certain vegetables, but it is absorbed best if injested
simultaneously with butter. Further, the production of Vitamin K-2 is
accomplished through ‘normal’ gastro-intestinal bacteria.

NOTE WELL: Supplementation of vitamin K-2 can prevent the development of
osteoporosis and reduce the risk of lumbar compression fractures from
osteoporosis.



FACT #5: GI bacteria are important to the production of Vitamin K-2.
Anti-biotics kill off the ‘good bacteria’ right along with the pathogenic
bacteria. Loose use of antibiotics alter GI flora, crippling our ability to get
VitaminK-2.

FACT #6: Taking the wrong form or formulation of Vitamin K, or Vitamin K-2 is
worthless in therapeutic benefit.

Vitamin D-3

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D-3) is necessary for the absorption of calcium from
the gut as well as for deposition of calcium in the bone. Vitamin D-3 deficiency
leads to Osteoporosis. [editors note: Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin in the pure
sense by definition as our bodies make this compound when exposed to sunlight, however by
convention it is still referred to as a "vitamin". (Saleeby)]

Vitamin D-3 is really is not a vitamin, at all, but it is a hormone. Its
metabolic product, calcitrol has genetic receptors in over 200 genes in the
human body, and vitamin D deficiency is a major factor in the pathology of at
least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension,
autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis,
osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, and periodontal
disease.

FACT #7: Vitamin D-3 supplementation reduces the risk of breast cancer,
prostate and colon cancers by as much as 50%, and reduces the risk of developing
multiple sclerosis (MS) by as much as 40%.

Strontium

Strontium is an element necessary for the maintenance of calcium matrix.
Strontium supplementation decreases the risk of vertebral fractures, by 49%
within the first year of treatment. Further, this risk of non-vertebral
fractures is decreased by 16% and, in patients at high risk for such a fracture,
the risk of hip fracture is decreased by 36% over 3 yrs.

Other Important Nutrients



However, there are other vitamins and minerals needed for metabolic processes
related to bone, including manganese, copper, boron, iron, zinc, vitamin A,
vitamin C, and the B vitamins. The diet must be sufficient in balanced protein
as well as balanced with the appropriate fats and oils.

Deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, manganese, strontium, vanadium and chromium,
result in many disease states ranging from obesity and diabetes to Alzheimer’s
Disease and cancer.

To this end, I find it easiest to start my patients on a balanced mineral
supplement, separate and distinct from the vitamin and hormonal supplement
requirements. This permits adjustment for age, gender, and disease state. If
these products were presented in one capsule or packet formulation,
customization would be difficult if not impossible.



Summary

Bone is a dynamic organ system. Physiologic forces promote bone deposition and
production, while others promote resorption and destruction. Nutritional
influences are extremely important, both in positive and negative terms. It
takes a wide variety of essential substances, mineral, vitamin, protein, and
hormonal to maintain the health and integrity of each and every organ system,
including the musculoskeletal system.



Source: David S. Klein, MD e-mail newsletter