Articles:

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial problem and thus I recommend a broad based therapeutic approach, which does not require or even tolerate the use of drugs such as Fosamax. Please become informed about the benefit risk ratio of that drug and the other all to commonly used pharmacological approaches.

I want to draw your attention to the implication of genetics in this all too common disease. Suffice it to say that a part of my current protocol for prevention and treatment of all bone loss, including Dental, is the RNA NutriSwitch formula called Bone Support. This is expensive but money is not an object when you face the ramifications of this disease, i.e. over 20% expire within a year from the date of their hip fracture. However, I have formulated an all new, all natural, powerful synergistic group of substances, which I call Beyond Bone Defense. It not only gives you therapeutic levels of Vit K2 and D but also Strontium, a well documented approach, as well as all the natural substances that prevent bone resorption and support bone growth.

Moreover, the incredible all natural HERB from Thailand is here that will replace all the Isoflavones (Black Cohosh, Red Clover) and, for many, even the need for bio identical hormones and it is available to your patients and your family now. It is called Beyond HRT (Herbal Remedy from Thailand) and is from a staple in the diet in Northern Thailand where, as a result of daily consumption of this, we find the lowest incidence of breast cancer in the world. Also in well- controlled studies over 90% of women stop the hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and depression. It is known to be over 3000 times stronger than Genistein and works on the estrogen receptor, as well as elsewhere. We find strong bones and low incidence of Alzheimer's, as a consequence of ingesting this Pueraria Mirifica. Since men also have osteoporosis, and Estrogen is part of their problem, this is suitable for both sexes and interestingly it seems to treat prostate problems too.

For the Bone problem I am not recommending more than 500 mg of Calcium and that is ONLY if they consume the same level of Magnesium, as found in the multiple that I formulated called BAM (Beyond Any Multiple). It is also found in the oral chelation packets, where you will also be removing slowly the Lead from your patient's bones permitting even better response to this protocol. So use the packets, 9 pills twice a day, as part of my total approach to BONE HEALTH. You may also want to learn more about the safe, effective, alternative to Growth Hormone injections that I recommend, Beyond GHS and Maca, for my patients. These will help support healthier levels of free testosterone but, of course, I support topical use of Testosterone and Progesterone, and now we have a safe alternative to the Estrogen part of hormonal supplementation.

Exercise should include rebounding.

Please try a few tough cases of Osteoporosis on all of the above. Be aware that gene testing will be in your future. We are doing this now for all the Autistic Children and significant abnormalities have been found in every case to date. Without knowing these gene related problems, all programs will provide suboptimal results. However, since RNA NutriSwitch products are based on cell: cell communication and since our food does talk to our genes, just think of the growing family of over 25 different RNA NutriSwitch Formulas to deal with everything from anti-aging (ProLongevity) to Heart, Kidney, Bone, Bowel etc or even neurotransmitter health. These are available only through Longevity Plus-RNA, as THE FOOD OF THE FUTURE for your patients. All the benefit with NO RISK. Speak to customer service at 928-472-2450 to learn more about which of the RNA products you might want to be taking for yourself.

Garry F. Gordon MD, DO, MD(H)
President, Gordon Research Institute
www.gordonresearch.com

#1 — Medical Hypotheses
Volume 63, Issue 6 , 2004, Pages 1010-1013

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation during bisphosphonate (Fosamax, Aredia, Didronel, Actonel, Skelid) administration may increase osteoclastic activity in patients with bone metastasis Ozden Altundaga, Kadri Altundag, Yavuz Selim Silayb, Mehmet Gunduzc, Kadir Demircand and Ibrahim Gullua

a Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sihhiye 06100, Ankara, Turkey
b Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
c Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
d Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan

Received 20 April 2004; accepted 20 April 2004. Available online 17 June 2004.

Abstract
Bone metastasis are a frequent complication of cancer, occurring in up to 70% of patients with advanced breast or prostate cancer. The consequences of bone metastasis are often devastating. Osteolytic metastasis can cause different kinds of skeletal related events including severe pain, pathologic fractures, life-threatening hypercalcemia, spinal cord compression, and other nerve-compression syndromes. These skeletal-related events are the result of the resorption of mineralized bone by osteoclasts. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogues of naturally occurring pyrophosphate compounds that inhibit bone resorption. Potent bisphosphonates, pamidronate and, more importantly zoledronic acid may cause hypocalcemia, but mostly asymptomatic, mild, transient in most cases. Sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake needs to be ensured in patients with malignancy who have borderline or low levels of calcium when commencing treatment with bisphosphonates. Vitamin D itself induce the formation of osteoclasts by increasing the expression of RANKL on marrow stromal cells. Local calcium also promotes tumor growth and the production of parathyroid hormone-related peptide which in turn stimulates bone resorption. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation during bisphosphonate administration for the purpose of elimination of the side effects related to hypocalcemia in patients with bone metastasis may increase the bone resorption and decrease the efficacy of bisphosphonates. Therefore, vitamin D and calcium supplementation must not be routinely recommended during bisphosphonate administration.

#2 — Bone Up on Osteoporosis
From The November 2000 Issue of Nutrition Science News
Lifestyle and dietary approaches can prevent this debilitating condition
by Carmia Borek, Ph.D.

Bones are amazing living structures that are constantly being remodeled throughout life. Bones continuously mend and rebuild themselves by the opposing actions of two types of cells: the osteoblasts that form bone and the osteoclasts that resorb (destroy) bone. When the activity of the bone-destroying osteoclast cells outpaces that of bone-forming osteoblasts, the bottom line is bone loss and increased osteoporosis risk.

Osteoporosis currently affects more than 26 million Americans, of whom 20 million (77 percent) are women.1 In 1995, the medical costs of treating osteoporosis were estimated at $13.8 billion and were predicted to increase to $162 billion by the year 2020. Disease risk increases with age, as does rate of injury. Therefore, one-third of women who reach 65 will have a vertebrae fracture, and of those women who reach 80 years, 32 percent will suffer a hip fracture.1 Osteoporosis develops less often in men because they generally start with more bone mass, their bone loss begins later in their lives, and they incur no period of rapid hormonal change that is linked to bone loss.2 However, men suffer hip fractures at high rates after the age of 70 (17 percent of 80-year-olds). In addition to hip fractures, men older than 70 frequently have debilitating spine, wrist and other bone fractures.

The Nature of the Condition
Osteoporosis silently breaks down the skeleton. Bone substance loss makes bones more fragile, resulting in spontaneous fractures, especially of the vertebrae and hip. Bone loss and osteoporosis occur in otherwise healthy people as result of many factors, possibly including heredity. One way women lose bone is menopause- related decreases in estrogen levels. Normally, estrogens bind to bone-forming osteoblasts, causing a chemical secretion that prevents osteoclasts from breaking down bone. Estrogens, therefore, help conserve bone by reducing bone loss and increasing bone density. The onset of menopause removes this protection. Men, incidentally, also lose estrogens as well as male hormones (androgens) as they age, but at a slower rate than women.

A lack of physical activity also increases osteoporosis risk, as does exposure to various pollutants and toxins, such as those in cigarette smoke. Insufficient intake of nutrients, particularly calcium and vitamin D, which play major roles in bone building, is one of the strongest promoters of bone loss and also one of the most reversible risk factors.

Nutrients That Help Build Bones
Since they are living tissues, bone cells need the same kinds of nutrients as do other cells in the body. But bones need extra nutrients to help osteoblasts form new bone and prevent bone loss.

Following are some of the nutrients, in order of importance, known to aid in these functions.

Calcium is one of the principal components of bone and is absolutely essential for bone formation. During the first 20 years of life, bone minerals accumulate in the skeleton. However, bone mineral loss begins after age 30. In women, this loss can be slowed with a combination of calcium and vitamin D supplementation.3 Although there are few studies of bone loss in men, there is evidence that dietary intake of more than 1,000 mg a day of calcium may slow this process in men as well.4

Fortunately, if a lifetime of high calcium intake has not been possible, women's studies show bone density still can be improved by increasing calcium and vitamin D intake before a woman enters menopause. Moreover, high levels of calcium supplementation are especially important for patients receiving currently approved bone- maintaining drugs for the prevention of osteoporosis such as estrogens, Raloxifene and Alendronate.

Dairy products are the richest food sources of calcium, followed by soy and broccoli.5 Calcium supplements such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are also readily available. Which of these two forms is better-absorbed is unknown because analysis methods have varied. Regardless of how it is obtained, the recommended daily calcium intake is 1,200 mg for postmenopausal women and 1,000 mg for premenopausal women.3 Women in menopause who are not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are often advised by their physicians to increase their daily dose to 1,500 mg.

Vitamin D is a derivative of cholesterol made in our skin during exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Once formed, vitamin D (called cholecalciferol) is then converted to an active form (1,25- dihydroxycholecalciferol). This active vitamin D regulates several biochemical processes including calcium absorption from the intestines and reabsorption from the kidneys destroying bone by depositing calcium and bone building phosphate in bone, and by releasing calcium and phosphate from bone (bone demineralization). Levels of dietary calcium and vitamin D must be adequate to maintain the actions of these two nutrients. A deficiency in either or both will lead to bone loss. Food sources rich in vitamin D are saltwater fish, fish oil, eggs, milk and other dairy products that are fortified with vitamin D.

The required intake of vitamin D from both food and supplements is 400800 IU/day. Doses should not exceed 800 IU/day because of possible side effects including excess calcium in the blood and kidney stone formation.6 In the elderly who are homebound and have little sun exposure, vitamin D supplementation is especially important to prevent deficiency and resulting bone loss.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists as K1 in plants and as K2 when formed by bacteria in the human intestine. Vitamin K is required for proper blood clotting and for chemical modifications of a bone protein called osteocalcin, which is important in bone remodeling. Low serum concentrations of vitamin K have been linked to increased hip fracture risk.7 Foods rich in vitamin K include alfalfa, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, soybeans and turnip greens. As part of the large, prospective Nurses' Health Study that began in 1976, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston carried out a collaborative study between 1984 and 1994 on the relationship between high vitamin K intake and lowered hip fracture risk in women.7 In the study, 72,327 women aged 38 to 63 filled out food frequency questionaires during a 10-year period. By 1994, 270 of the women had fractures following slight or moderate injury. The researchers found that, during the 10-year follow-up period, women who ate less than 109 mcg vitamin K/day (20 percent of women in the study) had a 30 percent higher hip fracture rate.7 These results suggest that dietary vitamin K intake requirements should be based on bone health as well as on blood coagulation, and that the RDA of 65 mcg/day is too low to prevent bone fractures.

The assessment of vitamin K intake in this study was based on the amount of broccoli, brussels sprouts, greens and iceberg lettuce consumed by participants. Researchers found that women who ate lettuce each day had a significantly lower risk of hip fracture (45 percent) compared to those who ate lettuce once a week.

Magnesium, with an RDA of 280350 mg, is involved with other minerals in the bone-building process and is necessary for regulating blood- calcium levels. Sixty percent of the magnesium in the body is located in bone. Magnesium is present in many foods; rich sources include cocoa, nuts, seeds and whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables. Animal studies have shown that magnesium deficiency leads to impaired bone growth and enhanced osteoclast activity that, in turn, leads to increased bone loss and skeleton fragility.8 Using data from the Framingham Heart Study that began in 1948, researchers at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston examined the relationship between bone density and intake of dietary magnesium, potassium, and fruits and vegetables that are high in these minerals. The study reviewed the dietary records of men and women aged 69 to 97, between 1988 and 1993. The results showed that a greater intake of these nutrients led to increased hip and forearm bone density in both men and women.9 Other minerals play a role in keeping bones strong. Metabolic studies have shown that potassium, with a recommended estimated intake of 2,000 mg/day, promotes calcium retention by the kidneys and thereby prevents loss through excretion. By improving calcium balance, potassium influences bone health.

Phosphorus is another mineral that is as important for bone formation as calcium. In the form of phosphate, it makes up nearly half of bone minerals. It is found in all foods and many soft drinks. The RDA for phosphorus is 1,200 mg/day, reduced to 800 mg/day for women and men older than 51.10 There has been concern that drinking soft drinks results in excessive amounts of phosphates, which actually promotes bone loss. High intake of these products can suppress the hormone calcitriol, which is needed for calcium absorption. Reduced calcium absorption leads to other hormonal changes that promote bone loss and increase the risk for osteoporosis.

In addition to the right amounts of phosphates, several minerals — notably zinc, manganese, boron, copper and fluoride — are needed in trace amounts as cofactors for building bone. These trace minerals are found in a balanced diet containing fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, seafood, meats and dairy. These minerals accumulate in minute amounts in bone, keeping them healthy.

Zinc, with an RDA of 1215 mg/day, is needed for the activity of more than 200 enzymes, one of which is responsible for incorporating minerals into bone matrix. Manganese, with no RDA but an Estimated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intake (ESADDI) of 2.02.5 mg for adults, is important for forming collagen in bone. Boron has no RDA but no more than 1 mg/day is required. It affects bone strength and is needed for calcium and magnesium metabolism. Copper, a cofactor for many enzymes involved in bone formation, has no RDA but an ESADDI of 1.53.0 mg. Copper deficiency in animals results in osteoporosis. Fluoride, with no RDA but an ESADDI of 1.54.0 mg, is required for hardening bones and teeth. Taken in great excess, fluoride begins to accumulate in soft tissue and leads to deformed bones.11

Soy foods contain calcium and potassium, two minerals, as explained above, that are important for bone health. Soy also contains isoflavones, which are capable of binding to estrogen receptors on cells but that have other nonhormone benefits as well. When isoflavones bind to estrogen receptors, they prevent estrogen from binding to these same sites and exerting its effects. Since it is believed that many cancers are estrogen-dependent, blocking the actions of estrogen can at times be important in health maintenance. Most research demonstrates that soy foods also increase mineral density in menopausal women and reduce bone loss; however, many of the studies have been short-term and have involved only small numbers of women.12 Furthermore, the appropriate dose of soy needed to protect against bone loss is still unknown.

In addition to isoflavones' direct effect on bone, soy protein may increase bone strength indirectly. Animal studies show that soy protein decreases calcium excretion from the kidneys, which suggests that people who eat soy foods may reap a similar benefit.12 Animal studies also demonstrate that soy isoflavones prevent bone loss in female animals that are made estrogen-deficient by removal of their ovaries—offering hope to both menopausal women and those who have had hysterectomies.

Ipriflavone is a synthetic form of naturally occurring isoflavones. Synthesized from the soy isoflavone daidzein, ipriflavone has shown promising results in a number of studies for its ability to increase bone density. In one such study conducted by researchers in Siena, Italy, 56 postmenopausal women with low vertebral bone density were randomly assigned to receive either 200 mg ipriflavone three times a day or placebo. All subjects also received 1,000 mg/day of calcium. After two years of treatment, women taking only calcium showed close to 5 percent decline in vertebral bone density. However, no change was seen in women taking ipriflavone, indicating that the isoflavone prevented rapid bone loss following menopause.14

In a separate study conducted at Keio University in Tokyo, 60 women with postmenopausal bone loss or osteoporosis received either 600 mg/day ipriflavone or 800 mg/day calcium lactate. Bone density of the second and fourth vertebrae was evaluated as was bone metabolism. After one year of treatment, the ipriflavone-treated group's bone density remained the same as before treatment. In contrast, subjects treated with only calcium showed a marked decrease in both rate and amount of bone mineral density, suggesting that the isoflavone suppressed bone resorption.15

While ipriflavone seems to increase estrogenic effects by preventing bone loss and increasing bone formation, it does not appear to increase risk of breast cancer in the way estrogen therapy can. Therefore, based on available data, ipriflavone may be an attractive adjunct or alternative to conventional HRT for postmenopausal women. Some early studies show that ipriflavone prevents the bone loss associated with therapeutic steroid use, immobility, ovariectomy and other conditions associated with bone loss.16

The data on naturally occurring isoflavones—found in the greatest amounts in soy but also present in clover, cabbage and other legumes and plants—are limited but suggest that their inclusion in the diet could result in a reduction in bone resorption caused by estrogen deficiency. The data are more extensive on ipriflavone, and studies suggest that it is a useful and safe alternative to estrogen therapy for treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Additional studies are needed to examine ipriflavone's role as a preventive agent as well as to assess the clinical effects of the naturally occurring isoflavones in maintaining bone health.

Better Bone Care
Osteoporosis develops in older adults when bones are broken down quicker than they are formed. Bones become thin and fragile and fracture easily. Estrogen loss due to menopause and aging helps trigger the condition. Poor dietary habits, smoking, high alcohol intake and lack of exercise also promote osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be effectively and easily prevented with dietary modifications. Although the primary goal is to achieve peak bone mass in early adulthood, with adequate calcium intake, good nutrition and exercise, it is never too late to stay a step ahead of osteoporosis.

Sidebars:
Exercise And Osteoporosis
Homeopathy Addresses Osteoporosis

Carmia Borek, Ph.D., a research professor at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, is author of Maximize Your Health-Span With Antioxidants: The Baby-Boomer's Guide (Keats Publishing, 1995).

References
1. Cooper C, et al. Hip fracture in the elderly, a worldwide projection. Osteoporosis Int 1992;2(b):285-9.
2. Anderson FH. Osteoporosis in men. Int J Clin Prac 1998;52:176-80.
3. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes, 2000. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2000. p 484.
4. Holbrook TL, et al. Dietary calcium intake and risk of hip fracture. 14-year prospective population study. Lancet 1988;2:1046- 9.
5. Heaney R. Calcium, dairy products and osteoporosis. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:83S-99S.
6. NIH Consensus Conference on Osteoporosis, JAMA 1984;252:799-802.
7. Feskanish D, et al. Vitamin K intake and hip fractures in women. Am J Clin Nut 1999;69:74-9.
8. Rude RK, et al. Magnesium deficiency induced osteoporosis in the rat: uncoupling of bone formation and bone resorption. Magnes Res 1999;12:257-67.
9. Tucker KL, et al. Potassium, magnesium and fruit and vegetable intake are associated with greater bone density in elderly men. Am J Clin Nut 1999;69:727-36.
10. Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th. Washington DC: National Academy Press; 1989. p 175-257.
11. Mertz W, et al. Trace elements in human and animal nutrition, volume 1. San Diego: Academic Press; 1987. p 301-64.
12. Messina M, Messina V. Soyfood, soybean isoflavones and bone health: a brief overview. J Ren Nutr 2000;10:63-8.
13. Anderson JJ, Garner SC. Phytoestrogens and bone. Baillieres Clin Endocrinol Metabo 1998;12:543-57.
14. Gennari C, et al. Effect of ipriflavone—a synthetic derivative of natural isoflavone—on bone mass loss in early years after menopause. Menopause 1998;5:9-15.
15. Ohta H, et al. Effect of 1 year ipriflavone treatment on lumbar one mineral density and bone metabolism markers in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Hormone Res 1999;51:178-83.
16. Head KA. Ipriflavone: an important bone-building isoflavone. Alt Med Rev 1999;4:10-22.

#3 — Vitamin D levels low in almost all hip fracture patients

03/08/2005 - Nearly all hip fracture patients are deficient, sometimes severely, in vitamin D, researchers in Scotland reported this week.

Reviewing the cases of 548 patients over the age of 60 who were admitted at South Glasgow University Hospital during a four-year period, the researchers found that 97.8 per cent had vitamin D levels below normal.

In around a quarter of the group studied, levels were so low that they were "effectively unrecordable", said the authors in the online issue of Current Medical Research and Opinion (DOI: 10.1185/030079905X59148).

Vitamin D currently only makes up 4 per cent of all vitamin sales and lags well behind calcium in terms of bone health supplements. But increasing evidence underlines its importance in protecting against fractures.

In a second prospective study phase, the researchers looked at vitamin D levels among the first 50 patients admitted to the hospital with an osteoporosis fracture after November 2004. More than 80 per cent had vitamin D levels below 70 nmol/L and 72 per cent had vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L.

"Although numbers were too small to justify extensive subgroup analyses, the mean vitamin D level in the 13 patients with hip fracture was lower than in the 37 with non-hip fractures," said the researchers.

They conclude: "It may be that vitamin D represents a correctable risk factor for fragility fracture in the elderly, possibly specifically for the hip."

«« Return to Articles menu