Question

M.S. is also instructed to take a calcium plus vitamin D supplement. She asks, “If I am taking

the osteoporosis pill, won't that be enough?” How do you answer her?

Answer 1

Osteoporosis is a disease where increased bone weakness increases the risk of a broken bone.Bones may weaken such a degree that a break may occur with minor stress or spontaneously.Chronic pain and a decreased ability to carry out normal activities may occur following a broken bone.

risk factors

• alcoholism
• anorexia
• hyperthyroidism
• gastro intestinal disease
• surgical removal of ovaries
• kidney disease
• smoking
• certain medications

treatment : good diet, exercise , fall prevention

medication: biphosphonates

it is used in decreasing the risk of future fractures in those who have already sustained a fracture due to osteoporosis

teriparatide (a recombinant parathyroid hormone)

effective in the treatment of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis

as above said good diet can prevent the breakage of bones

Calcium must be a vital nutrient in the diet of an osteoporosis patient.But vitamin D is also important for keeping bones strong and preventing the disease.Vitamin D helps our intestine to absorb calcium from the food. vitamin d can also avail from direct sunlight to the skin of ones. the amount of Vitamin D makes depends on the geographical condition.

other food sources of vitamin D

• fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackrel
• beef liver, cheese and egg yolks
• milk orange juice and cereal

But it is hard to get enough amount of Vitamin D from Foods alone.

recommendation:

• 600 international units (IU) of Vitamin D per day for adults upto 70 years
• 800 international units for people 71 and above

so taking supplement is recommended if lack of Vitamin D