Guest Article by Dr. James Meschino

Recent evidence proves that specific dosages of Calcium, Vitamin D and the Icariin flavonoid (from the Epimedium Herb) can not only prevent osteoporosis, but also reverse bone loss in individuals who already have osteoporosis. In fact, the same dosages required to reverse osteoporosis are also the same dosages that prevent this disease.

Osteoporosis: The Magnitude of the Problem

Approximately one in four women and one in eight men over the age of 50 develop osteoporosis in our society. These are alarming statistic since 25% of individuals who sustain an osteoporotic hip fracture die within the first year from related complications. In Canada, more women die each year from the consequences of hip fractures than from the combined death rate from breast and ovarian cancer (Osteoporosis Society of Canada).

The real tragedy is that osteoporosis is 100% preventable, but its prevention requires optimal intake of certain nutrients, along with adequate physical activity. Sadly, most of your patients are not getting sufficient bone support nutrients.

Responsibility in Osteoporosis Prevention & Management

Chiropractors are viewed as “Bone Doctors” by their patients. As such, a great deal of the responsibility for the prevention and management of bone loss in your patients falls to you. In regards to nutrition, the following intake levels of calcium, vitamin D and icariin flavonoid have been shown to prevent osteoporosis and can even help patients with osteoporosis regain some of their bone density back.

Calcium 1500 mg
Vitamin D 1200-1400 IU
Icariin Flavonoi 60 mg (from Epimedium)

Recent Studies of Interest Showing Reversal of Bone Loss

1. The study by Hitz et al (2007) showed that supplementation with 1550 mg of calcium (from calcium carbonate) and 1400 IU of vitamin D increased bone density in men and women over the age of 50, who had already sustained a bone fracture previously. These individuals gained bone density in the neck of the femur (a critical site for life-threatening fractures) and spinal vertebrae.

2. The study by G. Zhang, L. Qin, Y. Shi. (July 2007) showed that supplementation with 60 mg of icariin could increase bone density in postmenopausal women. After two years of supplementation, bone mineral density at the hip (femoral neck) and lower spine (lumbar) increased by 1.6 and 1.3 per cent, respectively, in the icariin group, and decreased by 1.8 and 2.4 per cent, respectively, in the placebo group.

Other bone support nutrients of importance include:

Magnesium  500 mg
Vitamin C  1000 mg
Copper 2 mg
Zinc  15mg
Silica 2-3 mg
Boron 1.5 mg
B-50 Complex

Dr. James Meschino is the chief formulator for the Adeeva brand of products.  See his other health-related articles at: www.meschinohealth.com