[caroline2]

I don't have OP, but years ago from a bone density test, I had signs of osteopena, with aging we all lose some bone density. I'm an inch shorter than I've been all my life, but lost some height with hip job too.

I don't take large amounts of calcium but do dose higher in magnesium and often dose with Strontium Citrate. I know of other people who use Strontium as well. It's OTC and do your research. In spite of it all, I have good straight back/posture. Good to do some stretches and weight bearing work for bone health. Just an FYI

[caroline2]

I've owned a little booklet, User's Guide to Calcium and Magnesium by Nan Fuchs, PhD and have lent it to friends and it's all marked up but I've learned so much from this book. I see it's available on amazon and probably updated with the K2 info needed for D3 support.

[Vowel Lady]

Hi Caroline 2:
I see a rheumatologist who wants me to go on one of the meds for osteoporosis. At the moment, I am refusing the medication. My gut feeling about these meds is that they have a purpose, but likely are being used too frequently. I think the risk of jaw bone necrosis is very real and very dangerous.

I have a good bone density score, but I have a small fracture in my spine. I had taken prednisone for many years over a decade ago. The rheumatologist has much concern about this fracture. I sometimes have pain in this area.

I spoke with this same rheumatologist about what vitamins I might take. I specifically mentioned vitamin K. Keep in mind that this is a very well respected doctor, who is very kind.

He told me calcium, magnesium and maybe vitamin D. He specifically said he didn't know anything about K2 being of help.

I also see a doctor who is learning more and more about Functional Medicine, although his specialty is in another area. For now, he is having me take two tablets of something called "Bone Up." The recommended dosage of this supplement is 3 a day, but I also take a good multi and other meds duplicating some of the same ingredients, particularly the calcium. So, for now, I take two of the Bone Up, instead of the three. Not perfect, but doing what I can for now.

I will meet with him again to re-evaluate my meds. Bone Up, to the best of my knowledge, is designed to help prevent/slow down osteopororis.
http://www.jarrow.com/product/586/Bone-Up

I hope I can find out more info. about Strontium. Not sure if I have spelled that right. What have you learned about this supplement and why do you take it? Did your bone density tests come back better after taking it?
I'm just beginning my research into it and will ask the Functional Med. doctor, next time I see him.
Also, what do you think are the best exercises for a straight back/good posture? When you say "weight baring," do you mean literal weights, or are you referring to walking, etc.? I am noticing a very slight bend, esp. on my left side. I'm considering seeing a PT. Thank you. Im in my mid fifties, have lots of autoimmune issues, nerve pain, migraines...just "stuff."
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...name=strontium

[caroline2]

As I did mention a friend on another group does deal with OP and she does not take the drugs, but mag, some cal, and strontium and D3 and K2....I take strontium too, am out of it now, as I came up with osteopena years back and HOPE it is helping,,,so far I'm pretty good bone wise....No fractures, just this mess of hip replacement. Bone spurs on groin, pushed me to the hip job. So groin is OK, but a lot of mess from surgery.

I do a lot of stretching and used a rubber band for MANY yrs..good for resistance and strength for bones. I worked out at gyms for many years, but never a fanatic, but believe in moving the body. I just posted a new post on the Arthritis board on "stuff" Dr. David Williams recommends.

My next order, I will buy Strontium again. Fractures can heal and yes that prednisone is the best and worst drug. I never took it, but a few cortisone shots in knee and shoulder here and there....haven't had any for a couple yrs...I manage.

I know about boneup, jarrow makes good supps. Is there Boron in the boneup. I know it's important for bone health too. I take it.

As I understand it, K2 helps with D3 absorption, it's pretty new research. We have a major integrative MD here who lectures at our library and he spoke about K2 about 6 yrs ago or so. He's worn out and retiring, good man.

[Auntie Audrey]

Hi Vowel Lady, I was diagnosed with osteopenia about 15 years ago, and my condition has gradually improved to where I would now say it is more of a borderline osteopenia. My doctor initially prescribed Actonel which I took for about a year and then I switched to a product called Strontium Bone Maker by Doctor’s Best: http://www.iherb.com/Doctor-s-Best-S...2&sr=null&ic=2

For me, the strontium worked slowly but effectively. I had bone density tests done every two years and my readings were always marginally better each time. So not only did it help stop the bone loss for me, but it also helped build my bone density, although admittedly at a slow rate.

I read the link you provided for the Bone Up product you are now using. There are a few things that concern me about the recommended 3 capsule daily dosage:

1. The Mg is all from magnesium oxide, which is absorbed very poorly by the body. I am supplementing with magnesium citrate instead.
2. The product has K2-MK7 which I think is a good product, but at 45 mcg it is a low dose.
3. The product includes 1000 mg of calcium, which I believe is a high amount. I am not familiar with the type of calcium used in this supplement, but I do know there has been research showing that oral calcium supplements may lead to coronary artery disease. I have eliminated all calcium supplements from my diet and now get all of my calcium from foods.

[caroline2]

I think over the years there has been a little bit too much focus on calcium for bone health. It is pretty easy to get a lot of calcium in the diet.

There are other importants vitamins and minerals involved in bone formation and maintanence. Strontium, Boron, Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, Magnesium, Selenium, and Zinc are very important.

There are also many phytochemicals, other nutrient molecules, and certain fats found in foods that have been associated with better bone health.


Probably for the last 8 yrs or so I've not taken more than 500mg calcium per day, most days it's 350-500mg, some days I skip calcium. But I do take all the above mentioned.

I had been seeing an integrative rheumy after hip replacement as I had so many issues and she helped me with acupuncture, mesotherapy... she and I almost got into it as she was pushing me to take more calcium...I would not back down.

My very close friend takes no calcium and another friend ended up with calcium deposits on her thyroid since her HMO doc told her Tums were good for her to "suck on" for her calcium....bad advice...this friend ended up with thyroid removal as she trusted these HMO docs. She came to the conclusion the thyroid should NOT have been removed. Question docs!! I have learned MORE from health groups than ever from doctors.

[Vowel Lady]

Thank you both!

Yes, as I mentioned, my other doctor told me to take only two (2) of the Bone Up tablets instead of three. His primary concern was that I would be taking too much calcium. So I'm taking 2/3 of the total.

My multiple vitamin has some calcium and even K in it. The Bone Up does have Boron on it. I take extra magnesium separately because it seems to help me with muscle aches and possibly with nerve pain slightly.

I was shocked, although I probably should not have been, that my rheumatologist knew so little about supplements.

However, I'm fortunate that I have another doctor very interested in the subject. He will review my supplements in more detail in the future and I will need to be specific that he is now in charge of considering potential osteoporosis, as my rheumie has no interest in this subject.

Oh, I eat lots of green veggies daily and I hope this provides much calcium. I actually don't eat much dairy and am generally avoiding it, with the exception of an occasional yogurt.

I too have learned to question the docs!!!! Will re-read your posts...lots of good info! Thanks.

[Auntie Audrey]

Hi again, Vowel Lady. I directed my comments about the Bone Up product for the full dosage of 3 capsules as recommended by Jarrow, mainly because of concerns I have about some of the ingredients and their dosages. Taking 2 instead of 3 doesn’t really address those concerns.

Yes the calcium dosage is reduced from 1000 to 667 mg, but even this reduced dosage is quite high. If you look at many of the multivitamin formulas on the market, the calcium dosage often fluctuates in the 200 to 250 mg range, with some as low as 50 mg or less for senior formulations.

Also, if you only take 2 caps per day, then you are also taking only 2/3 of the daily recommended dosages of all the other ingredients, which may possibly hinder their effectiveness. For example, 45 mcg is already a low dose formulation for K2-MK7, and if you’re taking 2/3 of that, or 30 mcg, you may not be getting enough to help support your bone density.

[Vowel Lady]

Thank you Auntie Audrey...great points. I was suppose to only do this temporarily and make another appointment with that doctor months ago and let it get past me! I'm calling their office tomorrow to make an appointment to get some help. I also wanted to speak with him about Strontium! I might print out info. on the one you are taking. I have so many health concerns, it's possible I'm not a candidate..we'll see. Thank you again.