Osteoporosis
I have been advised to take Fosamax for osteoporosis but am alarmed by the possible side effects. Do you know of any alternative to this drug and are my fears about side effects grounded?
Fosamax is prescribed to slow down the loss of bone tissue and increase bone mass in women with osteoporosis - a progressive disease where, as you know, bone breakdown increases faster than bone formation.
Your fears about side effects, which can commonly include stomach pain or less, frequently, nausea, bloating, headache, constipation, diarrhoea and heartburn are not unfounded - and if you do suffer any of these, you should contact your doctor.
The most important mineral for strong healthy bones is, of course, calcium - which is so important, the body will maintain homeostasis of calcium in the plasma at the cost of bone integrity. Unfortunately, the typical diet provides only a third of the calcium the body needs not just for strong bones and teeth, but for proper nerve functioning, muscle contraction and blood clotting too, which is why supplementation is crucial.
That said, you need to know what you are doing because absorption of this mineral is totally dependent on the existing calcium-binding proteins already circulating in your bloodstream, which is why absorption rates for many supplements are notoriously very low.
The solutions lies with a new, patented US supplement called BioCalth, in which the calcium is already bonded with a metabolite of vitamin C called threonic acid to boost absorption rates to an impressive 95%.
BioCalth provides calcium bonded to an agent called L-threonate which then delivers the mineral through the intestinal mucosa, thus improving the bioavailability. For prevention of osteoporosis you take one tablet a day but since you already have a problem, you need to take three tablets a day.
*BioCalth is currently only available in the UK from Victoria Health (0800-413 596).