Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones gradually loose calcium and other minerals over time. The net result is that the bone becomes week, often resulting in spinal and hip fractures. The fractures are painful and often result in the "hunched over" appearance that many women suffer from. This picture is an x-ray image of a compression fracture in the spine.
Women are much more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, but the condition can still be debilitating in men. Women who undergo complete hysterectomies are even more at risk, since the loss of normal female hormones accelerates bone loss.
There are some medications that have been shown to aid in bone strength, such as Phosomax and Boniva. There are some indications, however, that long term use of these medications actually increases the risk of bone fracture.
Calcium and Magnesium are the most prevalent minerals in healthy bone. Vitamin D is essential for helping in the absorption of Calcium in the intestines, and for the depositing of Calcium in the bone. The RDA for vitamin D is 400 iu per day, but some experts believe that this should be increased to as much as 2000-4000iu per day.
In the past, I have always recommended that my patients take additional amounts of Vitamin D and Calcium Citrate if they begin to develop osteoporosis, but there is increasing evidence that preventative care is more affective. Young teenage women should take healthy doses of Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D, in particular between the ages of 9-13. By doing so, they can decrease their risks of developing osteoporosis later in life by 40% or more. Prevention is the best medicine.
If you have young women, do them a favor and start them on Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D supplements. While you are at it, give it to your young boys as well. The teenage years are when bone strength can be affected the most, yet it is often the very time that they become picky eaters.
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