Troubling News

publication date: Jul 3, 2008

 | 

author/source: Dr. Forrest Smith

Dr. Forrest Smith

There is growing concern about a very popularly prescribed class of medications called bisphosphonates. These medications are prescribed for millions of men and women for osteoporosis.

Advertisements abound in our magazines and on the television featuring some very sincere celebrity endorsements. However, reports are increasingly being published about troubling and dangerous adverse effects.

Oral surgeons and dentists are reporting cases of osteonecrosis in patients who have been taking bisphosphonates. This is the death and delayed healing of the jaw. Earlier reports seemed to be confined to those patients receiving the intravenous solutions in high doses but as the use of these medications continues to escalate so do the number of reported cases. Sometimes there can be bone or joint and muscle pain with taking these medications.

Usually the pain subsides when the drug is discontinued but not always.

What Can You Do?
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is well understood. Absorption of calcium may be as low as 10-20 percent. Ensuring that a female gets 1,200-1,500 mg of calcium daily, adequate vitamin D, and exercise is a good strategy. However, there are some other important points.

Drinking sodas creates a very high risk for osteoporosis. Cola drinks are very acidic and when consumed pull calcium and phosphorus from the bone. Daily soda drinkers have lower bone mass and higher fracture rates.

Another epidemic recognized today is the deficiency of vitamin D. The medical profession used to consider the RDA to be 400-800 IU. Current recommendations are much higher. For persons with deficiencies, 2,000-7,000 IU may be needed to maintain healthy levels. Vitamin D is essential for absorption of calcium to the bones. Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in Diabetes Type I, multiple sclerosis, autism, and breast cancer. Persons fighting these and other diseases of immune deficiency may need even higher daily doses to achieve optimal levels.

Finally, if you do have osteoporosis and wish to use a safer product there is a bio-replenishment named OsteoDenx by Nikken. It can be found through my office. It is a delivery system that allows our bones to rebuild, and it has no negative side effects.