Yet another meta-analysis on the topic of vitamin D supplements and bone was published online today in The Lancet (October 11, 2013). The focus of this meta-analysis by New Zealand Professor Ian Reid and colleagues was changes in bone mineral density with vitamin D supplementation. They identified all randomized, placebo-controlled studies that assessed the effects… Read more
What's New
Stay up-to-date with the developments in research, what’s in the news, our opinions, and random thoughts. Our goal is to inform you of what we are reading, seeing, and hearing about to keep you abreast with the latest information on bone health (calcium, vitamin D, bone density), osteopenia, and osteoporosis.
Genes and Fracture Risk: A Step Closer to Personalized Medicine for Osteoporosis
An estimated 60 to 80% of bone density is inherited. Now with the ability of whole genome sequencing you would think it would be easy to identify genes for osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis and fracture risk are strongly genetic, they are very complex disorders. A large international collaboration of prominent research groups, the GEnetic Factors for… Read more
Duavee: A Unique Combination for Reducing Hot flashes and Building Bone
The FDA approved Duavee® for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause and the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Vitamin D, Calcium, and Common Sense
Confused about calcium and vitamin D? Who isn’t? The recent media coverage on the topic of calcium and vitamin D has created a tremendous amount of confusion among not only you, but your health care providers, too. Unfortunately, this news coverage may be counterproductive to promoting adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health.… Read more
Binosto – A New Formulation of Alendronate is Now Available
Alendronate is the most common medicine prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis in the United States. Alendronate is a generic medicine made by various manufacturers in a tablet form. Now alendronate is available in an effervescent tablet called Binosto. Think Alka-Seltzer. Drop Binosto in room temperature water, it fizzes up and is in solution ready to drink after a quick stir.
World Osteoporosis Day: Stop at One
Half of people who break a hip have already had at least one broken bone. Less than 1 in 5 who break their hip are on treatment for osteoporosis. Approximately 80 percent of people treated in clinics or hospitals for a fracture are not subsequently screened for osteoporosis or for their risk of falls.
The Link Between Breast Cancer and Osteoporosis
Although the pink ribbon is ubiquitous throughout the year, October is breast cancer month. We will be getting reminders of this everywhere. Last night on Monday Night Football players donned their pink shoes, pink gloves, and uniforms adorned with pink.
New Medicine Option for Men with Osteoporosis Approved
The FDA approved a new indication for the use of the osteoporosis medicine, Prolia® (denosumab): “Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at high risk for fracture.”
With this approval five osteoporosis medicines are approved for use in men: Fosamax® (alendronate), Actonel® (risedronate), Reclast® (zoledronic acid), Forteo® (teriparatide), and Prolia® (denosumab).
Calcium: Are You Taking the Right Amount?
What is too much calcium? What’s not enough calcium? You may have noticed some recent media coverage about calcium. Confused? Don’t feel alone. How much calcium is a frequently asked question.
Preventing the Next Fracture
One tough break leads to another. How do you decrease your risk of having another fracture once you have broken a bone?