Discussion

To most people, the answer to bone problems is calcium. This is a gross over-simplification, and to understand why this is so, it is necessary to understand the structure of bone. Bone is not a totally rigid structure consisting entirely of minerals such as calcium. It does indeed contain a large amount of calcium, but also magnesium and other minerals, and this is all held together by an organic framework (matrix) consisting of protein, mainly collagen.

Bone is roughly 65% mineral complex and 35% collagen. If the mineral complex were dissolved away and the collagen matrix were subjected to strain, it would bend. If the collagen were removed and the mineral complex subjected to strain, it would shatter. Ideal bone structure requires adequate amounts of both.

Causes

Factors governing bone structure

Calcium metabolism

Calcium is the main mineral in the bones, so variations of calcium absorption have a profound effect on bone structure. High intake of calcium by no means guarantees high absorption. Many forms of calcium, in particular calcium carbonate, are poorly absorbed, and even this poor absorption is drastically reduced if there is a condition of low stomach acid. Typical absorption for calcium carbonate is about 22% in conditions of normal stomach acid. When stomach acid is reduced, which it often is at ages over 40, absorption can drop to 4%.

Incidentally, take a moment to ponder on a related subject; osteo-arthritis. There are two degenerative conditions involved in osteo-arthritis; cartilage breakdown and bone breakdown. The standard treatment is either non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids. Consider the effect of NSAIDs. These drugs suppress inflammation, but because of their mode of action, they ensure that any defective cartilage is not rebuilt.

An extremely common side effect of NSAIDs is erosion of the stomach wall.

In order to counteract this problem, two types of drug are given; stomach acid inhibitors and stomach wall protectors. The inhibitors of stomach acid do a great job! Stomach acid is necessary at the beginning of the digestive process to get the stomach contents into a consistency to allow digestive enzymes to act. The inhibitors therefore reduce digestive efficiency, causing greatly reduced absorption of nutrients. This nicely speeds up the erosion of bone and cartilage.

The stomach wall protecting drugs mostly contain aluminium, which is believed to be a major cause of Alzheimer's disease. So; they first attack the digestive process, then the bones, and then, maybe so you won't notice the other damage so much, they get your brain!

Every one of these things is suppressing symptoms, and destroying the body's ability to repair itself!

It is well known that vitamin D is essential to calcium absorption. However, the initial form of vitamin D, cholecalciferol, must be converted to more active forms. The conversions take place in the liver and kidneys; therefore impaired liver and kidney function can cause osteoporosis. The conversions are also dependent on magnesium and oestrogen levels.

Hormones

There are two hormones which mainly affect calcium levels in the bones and blood; parathyroid hormone, which increases the activity of the cells which break down bone (osteoclasts) and calcitonin, which increases the activity of the cells which build bone (osteoblasts). Oestrogen deficiency makes the osteoclasts more sensitive to parathyroid hormone, and therefore increases bone breakdown.

The simplistic answer to this is to supply oestrogen (HRT). However, there are risks to HRT, and nutritional and lifestyle changes may be wiser.

Treatment

Diet

Milk

The extensive Nurses Study at Harvard, which followed 78,000 nurses for twelve years, showed that those who drank two or more glasses of milk per day have twice the risk of hip fracture as those who drank a glass per week or less.

But everyone knows that milk is good for you - so how can this be?

Milk is high in protein. Excessive protein intake increases the body's acidity. Calcium and magnesium have alkaline effects, and they are therefore leached from the bones to counteract this acidity. In addition to this, an average of 35% of people have an intolerance to milk, which reduces absorption of all nutrients. Therefore, eliminate milk and reduce protein intake.

Sugar

Sugar intake increases excretion of calcium. Starches do not have this effect.

Phosphorus

Found in most fast foods and in carbonated beverages; greatly increases calcium excretion.

Therefore; avoid junk food, sweet foods and fizzy drinks.

Diets high in fruit and vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables, will contain sufficient magnesium and calcium.

Flavonoids

This is a group of nutrients which is only recently being recognised as important; a subgroup of these is called proanthocyanidins. These substances can have very powerful effects on the strength and elasticity of collagen. Foods which contain these are blue, dark red and purple fruit and vegetables.

Supplements

For Mineral Complexes

¨      Calcium citrate 1000mg/day

¨      Magnesium citrate 500mg/day

¨      Boron (multiple complex) 3mg/day

For Collagen Matrix

A) Homocysteine Inhibitors

¨      Vitamin B6 100mg/day

¨      Folic acid 1000mcg/day

¨      Vitamin B12 1000mcg/day

The above nutrients reduce the amount of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine interferes with collagen cross-linking, which leads to a defective protein matrix.

B) Proanthocyanidin supplements

Help stabilise collagen structures.

¨      Pine bark extract

¨      Fruit extracts

¨      Bilberry

C) Phyto-oestrogens

There are a number of these:

¨      Dong Quai

¨      Black Cohosh

¨      Soy extracts

D) Vitamin C

Absolutely essential for collagen production  and integrity.

To buy any of these products, click this link: www.NationalNutrition.co.uk