Supplements and Vitamins for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a potentially crippling disease. The latest estimates from the NIH indicate that osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually.

Fortunately, there are many medications and alternative therapies to help treat the condition. Medical experts agree, however, that most Americans can avoid osteoporosis altogether by eating well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Herbs for Osteoporosis

Although most herbs have not been studied extensively for the treatment of osteoporosis, many professional herbalists would recommend the following botanical remedies for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis (particularly in postmenopausal women) because they have a proven track record for balancing hormones and benefiting bone health:

• Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)- contains phytoestrogens (estrogen-like substances that help protect against bone loss); has been shown to relieve menopausal symptoms; used traditionally by Native Americans for musculoskeletal disorders.
• Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus)-used traditionally for menstrual and menopausal symptoms; may prove to have benefits for preventing or treating osteoporosis as well.
• Red clover (Trifolium pratense)-isoflavones extracted from this herb may slow bone loss in women.
• Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)-may be beneficial for menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis but further studies are needed.
• Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)-contains substances believed to strengthen bone.
• Kelp (Fucus vesiculosus L.)-used for disorders of the male and female reproductive systems as well as for musculoskeletal disorders; rich in minerals so may be an effective complementary treatment for osteoporosis.

Vitamins and Minerals help Osteoporosis

Eating fruits and vegetables and consuming adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D are crucial in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Keeping bones healthy throughout life depends on getting sufficient amounts of specific vitamins and minerals, including phosphorous, magnesium, boron, manganese, copper, zinc, folate, and vitamins B12, B6, C, and K. Avoiding sodium, alcohol, and caffeine will also enhance bone health.

Calcium - An inadequate supply of calcium over the lifetime is thought to play a significant role in contributing to the development of osteoporosis. In fact, many studies have shown that low intakes of calcium are associated with low bone mass, rapid bone loss, and high fracture rates.  According to the National Institutes of Health, many Americans consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones.

Good dietary sources of calcium include low fat dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese), dark green, leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, collard greens, and spinach), sardines and salmon, tofu, and almonds. Since most people have difficulty obtaining the recommended amounts of calcium from their diets alone, supplements are an effective addition.

Vitamin D - Vitamin D plays a major role in calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D supplements and/or exposure to the sun (about 20 minutes a day), in combination with calcium, can help heal bone fractures and decrease the risk of future bone breaks.

Isoflavones - Isoflavones are substances that have estrogen-like effects on the body. Found primarily in soy products, isoflavones have been shown to increase bone density and slow bone loss in menopausal women. Results from several studies suggest that, in the years leading up to menopause, women may decrease their risk of osteoporosis by consuming soy products rich in isoflavones.

Ipriflavone - Ipriflavone, a synthetic isoflavone derived from natural isoflavones found in soy, red clover, and other food sources, may also be effective in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Although several studies have found that ipriflavone prevents bone loss and increases bone density in menopausal women, other large-scale studies have failed to support these findings.

Vitamin K - Studies show that women who consume vitamin K supplements may improve bone density and decrease their risk of bone fractures. The current recommended daily intake of vitamin K for adults is 75 to 120 mcg, but some researchers suggest that higher dosages may be necessary for optimal bone health. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage for you.

People taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin should avoid vitamin K.

Natural Supplement for Osteoporosis - Exoprin

In conjunction with regular exercise and adequate diet, Exoprin helps to reduce specific risk factors associated with Osteoporosis by effectively replenishing lacking nutrients which are vital for proper bone health.

Although the best sources of calcium are found in calcium-containing foods, the majority of individuals do not obtain a sufficient amount from diet. Exoprin can bridge this gap; ensuring that the body's calcium needs are met, while affording the benefit of other key nutrients equally important for bone health.

Exoprin deposits the lacking bone-building nutrients back into Your body; helping you to reduce the risk of osteoporosis onset, while managing the many adverse symptoms associated with the disease.

A few ingredients in Exoprin are:

• Vitamin D - This essential nutrient is required for absorption of calcium and musculoskeletal stability.
  
  Researchers recommend that supplementation start early to prevent postmenopausal bone loss. A review of randomized controlled trials showed that supplementation with vitamin D can reduce the incidence of hip fracture, a devastating complication of osteoporosis.
• Calcium - Necessary for bone mineral density (BMD), calcium is one of the most important nutrients in preventing osteoporosis. A Cochrane Review and a meta-analysis of randomized trials in postmenopausal women both indicated that even on its own, calcium can reduce the rate of bone loss and may prevent vertebral fractures.
  
  However, the combination of vitamin D and calcium is a more effective approach to maintaining BMD, even in subjects with good dietary intakes, as vitamin D helps with intestinal absorption of calcium.
• Vitamin K - Vitamin K facilitates the formation of a bone-building protein and dramatically reduces fracture risk. In postmenopausal women, lower vitamin K status is correlated with reduced BMD.
• Soy Extract Isoflavones (including genistein, daidzen, and glycitein) - Soy extracts have been shown to improve estrogen related bone loss.
  
  A double-blind controlled study of 203 postmenopausal women (who were also taking vitamin D and calcium) showed that soy isoflavones had a significant, independent effect on the maintenance of hip bone mineral content in postmenopausal women with low initial bone mass.
• Ipriflavone (a semisynthetic isoflavone manufactured in the laboratory from daidzein, a compound derived from soy) - Some studies have shown that like vitamin D ipriflavone can enhance calcium absorption. It appears that ipriflavone also directly affecta bone cells, resulting in increased bone construction.

For a complete list of ingredients Click Here.