[/caption]Carol Forsloff -What many people think may be arthritis may in fact be osteoporosis, or a silent bone-killing process that can create significant pain and fractures that reduce mobility and function; but new research shows promising help for this disease.
Scientists have learned astronauts are at risk from the accelerating form of osteoporosis which can result from gravitational loading. On extended missions to outer space astronauts have lost bone mass at five times the rate of post-menopausal women. Medical researchers are using research information from the recent Atlantic expedition to determine new ways of protecting people from osteoporosis.
Citrate has been found to be a key ingredient in development of bone mass. Experts now recommend that people take not just calcium supplements but specifically those with the calciltrate.
Blueberries have long been touted as having powerful anti-oxidant properties. Compounds in blueberries might turn out to have a powerful effect on formation of strong, healthy bones, if results from studies with laboratory rats turn out to hold true for humans. Blueberries contain polyphenols, which are the compounds that give the blue, purpose and red colors of the berries, and scientists believe these compounds might be helpful in building strong bones. This investigation was published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research in 2010.
The need to find ways to inhibit the development of osteoporosis and low bone density is an urgent one since the disease impacts the lives of almost 34 million people in the United States alone. With the aging of the population it is likely these numbers will continue to increase. Problems related to osteoporosis include psychological symptoms, pain, physical limitations and lifestyle changes relative to problems with mobility.
Studies on alendronate treatment (Fosomax) have had conflicting results. A recent study of those who used Fosomax for a period of five years found no difference in cortical thickness of the femur. Contrary to this, a three-year study of men done in 2003 showed the drug to have a decided positive impact on maintaining or increasing bone thickness.
Osteoporosis complications include vertebrae fractures and an impact on both morbidity and mortality. Patients often suffer a considerable amount of pain that leads to days absent from work and a decrease in quality of life or even permanent disability. Early and aggressive treatment can prevent complications, with research continuing to reduce this disease that creates the kind of problems for many people from which they may never fully recover.
