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Nutritional advice for osteoporosis
Table of Contents
1. Osteoporosis Symptoms and causes
Osteoporosis, formerly known as bone marrow disease, leads to a significant weakening of the structure of the skeletal system, especially long bones, such as the digestive and radial bones. There may also be a significant reduction in bone mass as it develops.2. Treatment of osteoporosis
The main objective of osteoporosis treatment is to minimize the risk of fractures. Appropriate pharmacotherapy is used under the supervision of a doctor. The most commonly prescribed medicines with proven anti-fracture efficacy are bisphosphonates (P. Leszczyński et al., 2015). They can be administered orally or intravenously.3. Diet in Osteoporosis
Nutritional factors can distinguish between those that have a beneficial effect on bone mass and those that are destructive. Particular attention should therefore be paid to adequate calcium, vitamin D, protein, magnesium, potassium and vitamins C and K. It is also necessary to maintain a proper ratio of calcium to phosphorus supplied with food.4. It's calcium
Calcium is a mineral that performs many functions in the body. In the case of the bone system, calcium plays a building role This is why it is the main dietary component to be considered in osteoporosis. For preventive and medicinal purposes, a daily calcium intake of 1200 mg is recommended. With age, the effectiveness of its absorption decreases, so values for calcium absorption, i.e. the presence of vitamin D and lactose, the acidity of the food and the corresponding phosphorus ratio (1:1).5. Vitamin D and its salts
Vitamin D deficiency greatly contributes to bone demineralization, as the vitamin is involved in the regulation of the calcium-phosphate economy and is also responsible for bone tissue metabolism. In its inadequate level, the effectiveness of calcium absorption decreases, which may lead to deficiencies of this mineral component and exacerbate the problem. Vitamin D is also important for the proper functioning of the muscle and nervous system. Its deficiencies contribute to weakening of muscle strength and balance disorders. This is due to a reduction in dosage patterns, thereby increasing the likelihood of osteoporosis.6. It's a protein
The diet of people with osteoporosis should take into account an adequate amount of protein. Both its deficiency and excess have an adverse effect on bone health. Protein is a building block, participating in the synthesis of bone matrix components, e.g. collagen. In case of deficiency, bone mass is lost and muscle strength is impaired. It is also difficult to regenerate tissues damaged by injury and fractures. Excess contributes to increased renal function, resulting in increased calcium and urine expenditure.7. Magnesium
Magnesium also plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It is involved in processes related to the protection, strengthening and rebuilding of bone tissue. Magnesium deficiency results in calcium metabolism disruption leading to hypocalcaemia (too low calcium levels in the blood), neuromuscular hyperactivity and bone mineral density reduction (BMD D Mineral Density).8. Vitamin C and its salts
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, affects the processes associated with bone tissue metabolism and is also essential for collagen synthesis. It also contributes to improved absorption of calcium and magnesium. Vitamin deficiency leads to pathological changes within the bone system.9. Products contraindicated
In addition to the recommended products, there are also those that should be eliminated from the diet or severely restricted. Adverse effects on the bone system are mainly due to the use of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Attention should also be paid to salt intake as its excess contributes to increased calcium loss along with urine. Therefore, the intake should be limited to 5 g per day, which corresponds to 1 cup of tea. The calcium economy can also be affected by carbonated drinks. They contain a large amount of phosphorus, which binds calcium and makes it difficult to consume.10. Summary
The diet of people diagnosed with osteoporosis should take into account adequate supplies of nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are of particular importance for bone mass.
