Bone FractureCalciumOsteoporosisVitamin D

Updated recommendations to prevent and treat osteoporosis

qf_quadriceps_strain_smAn expert committee of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) with a multi-specialty council of medical experts in the field of bone health have updated recommendations.

Let’s focus on prevention, which emphasizes many of the CAM topics that dominate this website.

Recommendations apply to postmenopausal women and men age 50 and older.

Universal recommendations

  • Counsel on the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures.
  • Diet: Rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Total calcium intake: 1,000 mg/day for men 50-70 years old; 1,200 mg/day for women 51 and older and men 71 and older.
  • Vitamin D intake: 800-1,000 IU/day, including supplements if necessary for people age 50 and older.
  • Regular weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercise to improve agility, strength, posture and balance
  • Avoid excessive alcohol intake.
  • Measure height annually, preferably with a wall mounted stadiometer (that metal gizmo you see in the doctor’s office).

The bottom line?

It’s a useful report, with lots of tables on causes of osteoporosis, including drugs that may contribute to osteoporosis and falls.

7/5/13 14:51 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.