Recently, a client of mine experienced a very positive response to a natural regimen I recommended for improving skeletal health. Today’s column highlights the basic principles my client used to turn the tide from losing bone to gaining it. I can’t promise that others will find the same results. However, I hope that this real life example will encourage everyone concerned about osteoporosis to examine how they’re approaching it from a dietary, lifestyle and supplemental standpoint.
The case study is based on the experience of a 75 year woman who had a previous history using medications (Alendronate/Fosamax and Ibandronate/Boniva) to address bone loss and fracture risk. In her case, the use of both intravenous and oral bisphosphonate drugs did not result in increased bone density. In fact, the bone loss progressed despite the pharmacological intervention. What’s more, the oral forms of these medications were suspected of contributing to esophageal scarring which required two endoscopic procedures to remove.
After several failed attempts at using conventional drugs to address her bone loss, my client decided to experiment with an all-natural approach, which consisted of aerobic and resistance exercise, increased dietary protein and specific nutritional supplements. Her doctor was made aware of the changes she was making, but remained doubtful of everything but the supplemental calcium and Vitamin D. In essence, he was resigned that there wasn’t much more they could do since she had already been taking calcium and Vitamin D for many years. Much to everyone’s surprise, my client’s bone density and estimated fracture risk made an about-face after switching to a naturopathic protocol. Her latest test results indicate that her bone mineral density (BMD) improved by 2.2% and her fracture risk dropped from a peak of 16% to 12% and from 4% to 2% based on two different measures of bone integrity.
Apart from adding a bit more protein to her diet and weight training, several supplements probably contributed to this dramatic turnaround. The core of her program involves the use of: a liquid calcium and magnesium citrate product (brand: LifeTime), Biosil (a form of silica), boron, milk basic protein/”Advanced Bone Protection” (brand: Advanced Orthomolecular Research), Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone 7) and Vitamin D3. All of these components have scientific evidence to support their use in strengthening the skeletal system and beyond. In this case, most were taken according to label guidelines, with the exception of Vitamins K2 and D3. The dosage of Vitamin D was adjusted based on blood test results. MK-7, a soy-derived form of Vitamin K2, was used at a dose of approximately 200% of the current Daily Value for women – 180 mcg/day. In addition, my client is also taking a high-potency multivitamin-mineral and krill oil for general health and a few condition specific supplements for eye and joint issues.
A recently published study in the Journal of Environmental Public Health supports the outcome experienced above. In the research, a cocktail of bone supportive nutrients was found “at least as effective as bisphosphonates or strontium ranelate in raising BMD (bone mineral density) in hip, spine, and femoral neck sites” in a group of volunteers diagnosed with low BMD. The authors of the 12 month study go on to point out that no fractures were reported in those taking the micronutrient formula. And, perhaps most importantly, the nutritional regimen “also appears to show efficacy in individuals where bisphosphonate therapy was previously unsuccessful”. The product in question contains various ingredients including magnesium, DHA-rich fish oil and Vitamins K2 and D3.
From my perspective, the most inspiring aspect of this success story is the effort and faith exhibited by my client. This is someone who has a very difficult time swallowing pills, and I suggested that she take quite a few! In practical terms, this means she needed to spread out her supplement intake throughout the day. Add to this her doctors skepticism in supporting her efforts to improve her health naturally. Some might view this as reason enough to just accept osteoporosis as an inevitability. Thankfully, she didn’t. Because of her dedication, she’s found results that have amazed her doctor and vindicated her persistence. I couldn’t be happier and hope that her victory will inspire you as well.
To learn more about the studies referenced in today’s column, please click on the following links:
Study 1 - Combination of Micronutrients for Bone (COMB) Study: Bone Density … (link)
Study 2 - Association Between Vitamin K Intake from Fermented Soybeans, Natto … (link)
Study 3 - Evaluation of Magnesium Intake and Its Relation with Bone Quality in … (link)
Study 4 - Short-Term Oral Magnesium Supplementation Suppresses Bone Turnover … (link)
Study 5 - Partial Prevention of Long-Term Femoral Bone Loss in Aged … (link)
Study 6 – Choline-Stabilized Orthosilicic Acid Supplementation as an Adjunct to … (link)
Study 7 - Essential Nutrients for Bone Health and a Review of their Availability … (link)
Study 8 - Milk Basic Protein Increases Bone Mineral Density and Improves Bone … (link)
Study 9 – A Controlled Trial of the Effect of Milk Basic Protein (MBP) … (link)
Study 10 - Controlled Trial of the Effects of Milk Basic Protein (MBP) … (link)
Micronutrients May Improve Bone Density Better Than Drugs
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Source: www.healthyfellow.com
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