How to Assess & Treat Bone Loss

Assessing & Treating Bone Loss #8

Seven Tips For Improving Outcomes Here are a few evaluation and management tips that Dr. Vargo & her colleagues have gathered over their years of practice focused on osteoporosis

D is for Density:

There’s no question vitamin D promotes bone density, so all patients at risk of osteoporosis ought to be taking it. “Don’t be afraid of vitamin D. I saw a patient once with a serum level of 254 (due to excessive supplementation). There were no symptoms and no indication of harm.” In general, you want the serum level up over 30 ng/ml. “I always shoot for 50.”

Be aware that many patients in the osteoporosis age bracket are severely deficient. Likewise, those on dilantin and other seizure drugs are at risk for deficiency because these agents block absorption of vitamin D. “Dilantin is a major risk factor for bone loss,” Dr. Vargo said.

Once serum vitamin D drops below 10 ng/ml, and all physiological stores have been exhausted, it can be very difficult to replete back up to healthy levels with standard over-the-counter supplements. Special high-dose prescription products will be needed, and even then it is challenging. Ideally, you want to prevent severe deficiency.

To read more about the problems of long-term bisphosphonate therapy, subscribe to our Premium Web Access and read Dr. Tori Hudson’s article, “Are Bisphosphonates Really Necessary for Osteoporosis Prevention?”

https://holisticprimarycare.net/topics/topics-h-n/healthy-aging/954-assessing-a-treating-bone-loss-seven-tips-for-improving-outcomes

http://www.depsyl.com

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/