Dangers Of Supplements In Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an end stage disease of the skeletal system. Osteoporosis results in painful breaks and fractures and is believed to affect nearly one hundred million people worldwide. Unfortunately there is no known cause or cure for osteoporosis, though there are treatment options available prevention is the best medicine. The most important tool in the prevention of osteoporosis is good bone health.

In order for bones to become and remain strong and healthy they need certain vitamins and minerals. While most healthy adults can attain adequate amounts through a healthy diet and lifestyle, there are others who may need to use supplements, and others still who lack proper nutrition and turn to supplements. Supplements can be found in many forms. They are available as powders, pills, capsules; gel tabs extracts and even liquids. They may be found as additives in energy bars or drinks. Dietary supplements are readily available most anywhere and do not require a prescription. The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements. This is why caution should be taken when thinking about getting supplements.

Dietary supplements taken to prevent osteoporosis may contain additives and impurities that at best have no effect and at worst may be harmful. While it is true that bones need vitamins and minerals for optimal health, too much of a "good" thing can actually do more harm. Depending on a particular supplement, the age of an individual and their health, taking in more than the recommended daily amount of a vitamin or mineral can cause illness and even death. Some vitamins and minerals in large doses may also interfere with prescription medicines disabling them from working, as they should.

Vitamins and minerals need to work together to be most effective. For instance calcium, while it is very important to overall bone health and strength in preventing osteoporosis needs to be absorbed in order to be effective. It is very rare that toxicity from vitamins and minerals will occur from food sources. Often it is from not only eating adequate amounts but also taking supplements or taking too many supplements together like multivitamins along with single dietary supplements. There are several supplements that are often taken to prevent and treat osteoporosis, and while they all have their place, there are some negative aspects that one should be aware of as well.

Calcium. It needs to be properly absorbed in order to be effective. Toxicity due to calcium alone is rare because the body will flush out excess but too much calcium being absorbed can lead to hypercalcemia. Very high levels of calcium can result in appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, seizures, and even coma.

Magnesium. Needs to be taken in proportion to calcium. While toxicity is rare and would normally result from renal failure, too much magnesium can cause diarrhea.

Vitamin D. Excessive amounts can be toxic and cause hypercalcemia, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and death.

Vitamin K. too much causes flushing and sweating. May also interfere with prescription blood thinners.

Too much of any trace mineral such as boron, silicon, zinc, and copper can cause a range of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Recommended Reading

1. Liquid Vitamin Supplements - Several years ago, liquid vitamin supplements were never heard of. In the past, tablets and pills were the ideal way...
2. Medication For Osteoporosis - Osteoporosis occurs when the body removes too much of the old bone (resorption) fails to produce enough new bone, or...
3. Osteoporosis And Magnesium - Osteoporosis or porous bone is a condition that occurs when bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is...
4. Sugar And Osteoporosis - Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease of the skeletal system. Bones become porous, leaving them fragile and highly susceptible to fracture....
5. Prevention Of Osteoporosis - Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease of the skeletal system. Bone mass and density is decreased putting those who suffer from...