Try Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements First

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with osteoporosis? Try a different approach before accepting medication as your only choice.

Researchers suggest dietary calcium and vitamin D is better than bone-building medications initially. Increasing consumption of calcium and vitamin D or supplementing will increase bone density, giving you stronger bones and no need for medicines.

Eat cereals and even pancakes for more calcium and vitamin D.

The University of Illinois has found a more effective course of action for someone who is just diagnosed with osteoporosis. Increasing dietary calcium and vitamin D or taking supplements is better than taking bone-building medication as an initial course of action.

Researchers found that even with prescribed medication bone growth may increase, but a side effect of the drug is increase in hip fractures and jaw necrosis. Prescribed medication should be a last resort if increasing dietary or supplementation does not work. 

Bone-building medications are expensive and have side effects. Medications may be building bone, but bone growth is “not always structurally sound”, so even with medication there is still a risk for fractures.

Many foods are now fortified with calcium and vitamin D, so it is easier to consume the recommended amount. Soy milk, orange juice, yogurt, crackers, cereals, bread, breakfast bars, and pancakes are examples of foods with calcium and vitamin D. Additionally, individuals should consume low sodium, increase fruits and vegetables, adequate calcium and protein, more magnesium and potassium to improve health.

The Study

• The University of Illinois studies 219 scientific articles about impact of dietary, supplemental, and educational interventions over the last 10 years to reach conclusions
• 1,200 mg of calcium a day for menopausal women to encourage quality bone growth