Sunday, September 19, 2010

Family Doctor: Calcium, vitamin D keys to treating osteoporosis

Q: I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and am presently taking two calcium tablets and one multivitamin for mature adults. Would this help my condition?

A: Osteoporosis occurs when the normal buildup and breakdown of minerals in healthy bones falls out of balance. The condition is difficult to detect in its early stages, but the first clue is often a bone fracture, loss of height, back pain, stooped shoulders or through a routine bone density (X-ray) study.

There are a number of prescription medications; however, as you may be aware, several can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw and other serious complications.

The recommendation for people 51 and older is 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. Vitamin D is of equal importance in order to utilize the calcium and should not exceed 2,000 IU daily for healthy people. Therefore, in answer to your question, it all depends on how much calcium and D is present in the vitamin regimen you are taking. Read the ingredient label. If necessary, switch to combinations of calcium and D available at your local pharmacy in single-tablet form.

Beyond that, don’t smoke, avoid alcohol, maintain good posture, eat well and exercise.

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