New Research Highlights โฃDietary Approaches too Combat osteoporosis
New York, NY – A recent column by Dr. Roach emphasizes โขthe importance ofโ dietary calcium and vitamin D in managing and possibly reducing bone loss associated with osteoporosis. While supplements remain a keyโ component for many,โ the article details several food โsources that can contribute considerably to bone health, potentially lessening reliance on supplementation.
The piece, published recently, notes that increasing dietary โcalcium intake throughโ sources like dairy products and small, edible-boned fish – specifically sardines and anchovies – can help reduce the need for calcium supplements. Almonds, beans, and dark leafy green vegetables are also identified as modest โsources of this crucialโ mineral.
However, Dr. Roach stresses the difficulty of obtaining sufficient vitamin D solely through diet, advocating forโฃ supplementation as the “safest way” to increase intake. He does acknowledge sun exposure asโ a viable option, notably for individuals with lighter skin tones and those residing in southern โlatitudes (citing a line from Los Angeles to Atlanta as a general guideline).
The article alsoโ touches on Vitamin K2, noting its past success as a treatment in Japan, but currently lacking sufficient evidence โฃfrom U.S. studies to โwarrant a general suggestion. Prunes were highlighted as showing a “modest improvement” in bone density in women โconsuming 4 ounces daily.
Specific to men in their 70s diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Roach emphasizes the necessity of checking testosterone levels, citing it as โa common contributing factor to bone loss.For severe casesโฃ with a high fracture risk (as steadfast by aโค FRAX score), he recommends considering โtreatments like parathyroid hormoneโข analogues.
The column also addressed a reader question regarding idiopathic peripheralโ neuropathy, noting that while Vitamin B1 (thiamine) has been suggested in some articles, evidence supporting its effectiveness for neuropathy of unknown cause is limited.Dr.Roach shared his clinical experience thatโ thiamine is frequently enough ineffective for most patients, despite its safety and low โcost.
Readers with health questions can submit them to Dr. โคRoach at ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.
