Osteoporosis meds linked to fractures

Taking osteoporosis meds may be getting the opposite of what they're looking for... because instead of protecting bones, the latest research finds that these drugs could be breaking them.


Two new studies show how some otherwise healthy women who take bisphosphonate meds for five years or longer can suffer from sudden fractures of the femur--a bone in the hip.

And for these meds, five years is nothing--these are drugs many women are expected to take year after year, from now until the end of time... or at least until a sudden, tragic bone break.

One of the two studies, which were both presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual conference, found that some women who take these meds begin to show signs of brittleness in the bones after four years.

Naturally, the FDA says there's not enough evidence of a link between these meds and the bone breaks--and the agency is telling women to make sure they keep taking their bisphosphonates. Since these drugs--which include Boniva, Fosamax, Reclast and Actonel--did $3.5 billion in business last year, you have to wonder who the FDA is protecting: ordinary women, or a powerful industry.

But in reality, bisphosphonates aren't even necessary for most women. A good diet and careful nutrition can do far more to protect you from osteoporosis than anything you'll find at the pharmacy.

Many women take calcium--especially those little chewy candies--for years and think they're getting everything they need for bone health.

They're not, because calcium alone isn't the answer. Vitamin D is essential to the absorption of calcium... and most people, men and women alike, aren't getting enough.

If you're not spending a little sunscreen-free time outdoors each day, be sure to take a natural vitamin D3 supplement. In fact, you might want to add a supplement anyway even if you are getting outside, since everything from clothes and makeup to cloud cover and the seasonal angle of the Earth can impede vitamin D production.

You'll also need more magnesium--another nutrient that most people are lacking. You can get it from a supplement, or from terrific foods like nuts, beans and dark green veggies such as spinach.