Suggest Calcium Supplements And Other Nutrients To Improve Bone Density

Posted on Thu, 8 Jun 2023

Question: My age is 77, I am well, and active . I still work- as an acupuncturist and massage therapist. My forearm bones have been diagnosed as minus _4, a year and a half ago, and now it seems other skeletal diminishing is happening. My question: what forms of calcium, and other nutrients will prevent , and maybe improve bone density, if there is porosis? I do all my house and yard work, walk a lot (dogs)- and practice pilates. For 50 years practiced yoga, but in 5 years since double hip replacement have had to curtail a lot of that. also, zumba dancing once a week. Weight bearing is adequate-(I hope) What might you suggest? XXXXXXX at YYYY@YYYY

No question, but a bit of history. Bore 5 children. Weight is a bit under ideal- I eat all foods happily, and am well nourished, but cannot gain weight. I live alone, and am of a generally happy, optimistic nature. (until the country" last election, that is)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
These values correspond to osteoporosis.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

BMD of -4 is osteoporosis; though Forearm is not taken as the standard for BMD. Best would be you get Dexa scan of two sites - Spine and hip (unoperated side) and if both the hips have been operated then Forearm scan would be useful. Also, you should get Serum Calcium, Vitamin D, and alkaline phosphatase.

As far as treatment is concerned, adequate calcium and vitamin D are must as a first step and will continue throughout the treatment. In Addition Bisphosphonates or Inj Teriparatide should be started. These treatments should be discussed with your physician and started accordingly.

I hope to have been of help.

Regards,
Dr. Gopal Goel, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad