Sunday, March 22, 2009

Natural health products and osteoporosis

The Facts:

* Osteoporosis (brittle bones) affects many women as they get older with the risk of bone fractures becoming a common reality.

* In a Canadian review researchers discovered 45 natural products claiming to be of benefit, of which 15 had some evidence of effectiveness.

* Only 3 products, phytoestrogens, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and vitamin K2, were found to have reliable evidence (although still limited) they were useful in treating osteoporosis.

Shaun’s comment: Osteoporosis (reduced bone density) is more common in older females, particularly if they have a family history of the disease or if they are European or Asian. Vitamin D, calcium and prescribed drugs form the mainstay of treatment. This review of the medical literature showed that many natural products had evidence to support their use in osteoporosis, particularly the steroid DHEA, phytoestrogens, and vitamin K2.

Study Reference:

http://www.theannals.com/cgi/content/abstract/40/5/836

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