Health-Dangers of Supplements in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis results in painful breaks and fractures and is believed to affect nearly one hundred million people worldwide. Osteoporosis is an end stage disease of the skeletal system Unfortunately there is no known cause or cure for osteoporosis, though there are treatment options available prevention is the best medicine. The most important tool in the prevention of osteoporosis is good bone health.

For bones to become and remain strong and healthy they need certain vitamins and minerals. While most healthy adults can reach adequate amounts through a healthy diet and lifestyle, there are others who may need to use supplements, and others who lack proper nutrition and turn to supplements. Supplements can be found in many forms and are available as powders, pills, capsules; gel tabs extracts and even liquids. They may be found as additives in energy bars or drinks.

The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements. This is why caution should be taken when thinking about getting supplements. Dietary supplements are readily available most anywhere and do not require a prescription. They are taken to prevent osteoporosis and may contain additives and impurities that at best have no effect and at worst may be harmful. While it is true that bones need vitamins and minerals for optimal health, too much of a "good" thing can actually do more harm. Depending on a particular supplement, the age of an individual and their health, taking in more than the recommended daily amount of a vitamin or mineral can cause illness and even death. Some vitamins and minerals in large doses may also interfere with prescription medicines disabling them from working, as they should.

Vitamins and minerals must work together to be most useful. Calcium is very important to overall bone health and strength in preventing osteoporosis but needs to be absorbed in order to be effective. Toxicity due to calcium alone is rare because the body will flush out excess but too much calcium being absorbed can lead to hypocalcaemia. Very high levels of calcium can result in appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, seizures, and even coma.

Magnesium needs to be taken in proportion to calcium. While toxicity is rare and would normally result from renal failure, too much magnesium can cause diarrhea.

Excessive amounts of Vitamin D can be toxic and cause hypocalcaemia, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and death. Too much Vitamin K causes flushing and sweating and may also interfere with prescription blood thinners. A surplus of any trace mineral such as boron, silicon, zinc, and copper can cause a range of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.