Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease which results from an inability to produce bone mass after bone cells die off naturally. It renders bones so brittle they can be broken by minor falls or even sudden harsh coughs.
In most cases, people suffering from “osteopenia” or “osteoporosis” are advised to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and even problematic drugs called bisphosphonates, such as such as Alendronate (Fosamax) Risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia) Ibandronate (Boniva) Zoledronic acid (Reclast), which lead to even more brittle bones that break under normal loads.
Yet, this approach is irrational and in some cases, harmful.
Namely, although calcium levels are very low in osteoporotic bone, increasing the calcium intake via supplementation does not improve osteoporotic bone health.
One hypothesis regarding the nature of osteoporosis is that it is scurvy of the bones. This means that if one increases vitamin C levels and restores the balance of antioxidants, the bones are able to regenerate and create a strong healthy new structure. Therefore, vitamin C intake can potentially help reverse osteoporosis.
Antioxidants prevent oxidation in the bones or anywhere in the body, so the bones will suffer due to the increased oxidative stress in the case of a lack of antioxidants in the body.
Also, remember that supplements are no replacement for good nutrition. In the case of proper hormonal balance and nutrients, the matrix of bone will incorporate calcium and nutrients where they belong.
Instead of supplements with calcium and fosamax, a more constructive regimen could include Vitamin C, Vitamin K2, vitamin D3, boron, silica, and magnesium, as they are much more successful in preventing fractures and maintaining bone health.
Calcium ultimately ends up in the muscles of the heart, the heart valves, and the blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular disease, but the proper ratio of vitamin C, D3 and K2, will direct the calcium from food to where it belongs, not in your heart and blood vessels.
Vitamin C is crucial in collagen synthesis, it mineralizes the bone and stimulates bone-forming, dampens oxidative stress, and prevents excessive degradation of bone by inhibiting bone absorbing cells.
In the case of its low levels, the opposite happens: osteoclasts, bone cells that degrade bone proliferate, and osteoblasts, bone cells that lay down mineral and new bone are not formed.
Researchers have found that seniors with fractured bones have significantly lower levels of vitamin C in their blood.
Therefore, do not fear to take vitamin C supplements, as they are the most non-toxic and safe supplements available. Adults should take 2-5 grams per day of sodium ascorbate as a general supplement. You can also use liposomal vitamin C but avoid Ester-C or calcium ascorbate. If you opt for a natural plant-based source, choose Camu-Camu.
Holistic practitioners maintain that vitamin K2 is important in cardiovascular and bone health, and vitamin D3 with a level of around 50-70 mg/ml will boost immunity and improve bone health.
