Preventing Osteoporosis: The Real Story

Current statistics indicate that one in four women and one in eight men develop osteoporosis after age 50.

Osteoporosis is described as a condition whereby bones become weak (and porous) increasing risk of fracture, especially of the hips and spine. Common thinking, positioned the use of calcium supplements to reduce the risks of this condition—but it may not be nearly enough. Studies reveal that in certain developed countries more women die each year from complications of osteoporotic fractures, than from the combine mortality rate from breast and ovarian cancers. Yet, experts agree that this very common and life-threatening health condition is highly preventable if one employs the right nutrition, exercise and supplementation program.

It Takes More Than Calcium To Prevent Osteoporosis

Research shows that bones require the nutritional support of a multitude of nutrients in order to prevent the development of osteoporosis. Most individuals are aware that bones require optimal calcium intake, but in addition to calcium, bones also require optimal nutritional status of other nutrients including, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, copper and silicon. All of these nutrients play a critical role in maintaining bone density. Thus, eating calcium-rich foods and/or taking a calcium supplement alone, are not the most effective ways to prevent osteoporosis.

For this reason, many health authorities instruct adults to take a high potency multiple-vitamin and mineral, in conjunction with a bone support formula that provides extra nutrient support for bones in the following ranges:

Of the entire list above, the nutrient Ipriflavone is probably unfamiliar to most of us. Ipriflavone (derived from the isoflavone known as diadzein) has been shown to improve bone density in addition to its role of helping to prevent calcium loss from our bones as we age. Studies also confirm that optimizing supplementation of Vitamin D (in the range 800-1,000 IU per day) can significantly reduce hip fractures, even in elderly individuals. These results appear to be enhanced when accompanied by optimal supplementation with calcium and magnesium.

Speak to your practitioner about a diet, exercise and supplementation program that can best reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

For more information on this subject consult the Meschino Optimal Living Program: 7 Steps To A Healthy, Fit, Age-Resistant Body (Wiley Publishing)