Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis comes from two words, "Osteo", meaning bone, and "Poros" meaning hole. Osteoporosis is a condition marked by "holes in the bone." Although these holes are intended to be there, they are supposed to be filled in with minerals. One of the most important of these is Calcium. Calcium, however is only one missing piece in the puzzle. Other minerals, as well as some vitamins are needed to provide the body what it needs to produce healthy, strong bones. Many of these nutrients work together and form a "chain reaction" which produces a greater effect than each of the nutrients would be able to create separately.

Some of these important additional nutrients are ….

A Multi Mineral / Vitamin Combination provides a foundation of the following nutrients, although some may require additional amounts.

Vitamin A helps to retard the aging process, which stresses the immune system. 2

Vitamin B6 breaks down homocysteine, a substance that contributes to Osteoporosis. 4, 2

Vitamin B12 also breaks down homocysteine. 4, 2

Folic Acid also breaks down homocysteine. 4, 2

Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis, a factor in healthy bones. 4, 1

Vitamin D is derived through exposure to sunlight, and regulates certain substances that enable Calcium and Magnesium to be absorbed. 5, 2

Vitamin E protects other vitamins, like Vitamin A from destruction. 2

In addition to a good multiple mineral and vitamin supplement, the following nutrients also play a role in building healthy bones.

Vitamin K is found in plants and regulates "osteocalcin" a bone protein necessary for bone remodeling. 5

Copper aids in formation of bone. 2

Manganese helps to form collagen. 5, 1

Magnesium helps to regulate blood Calcium and works to make vitamin D more efficient. 5,1

Phosphorus makes up 50% of bone minerals, but can easily become excessive because of added amounts in some foods and soft drinks. 5

Silicon becomes more important as we age and the amount needed increases in relation to Calcium. 1

Strontium plays a crucial role in bone mineralization. 4

Zinc is a cofactor in building bone also protects the immune system. 5

Kelp is a good source of Strontium and Boron, as well as other important trace minerals. 4, 5

Other measures which can serve to minimize the effects of environment on bone health include, restricting alcohol, caffeine, soda pop, meat and protein, 3 eating brown rice (for silicon), leafy green vegetable and Bell peppers. 1

References:

1. Startling New Facts about Osteoporosis. Betty Kamen, Ph.D., Nutrition Encounters, Publishers. ã 1989

2. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. James F. Balch, M.D., Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Avery Publishers. ã 1990, 1997

3. Nutritional Influences on Wellness: Melvyn R. Werbach, M.D. Third Line Press. ã 1988.

4. Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing. Prima Health Publishing. ã 1996

5. Article: "Bone Up On Osteoporosis" in Nutrition Science News. November, 2000. By Carmia Borek, Ph.D.

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