Steroid Induced Osteoporosis – Can it Be Prevented?

Some medications interfere with calcium absorption or bone formation and can leave us susceptible to developing osteoporosis. buy injectable steroids online with credit card and corticosteroids are two of the greatest culprits.

Steroids and corticosteroids are used for a wide variety of conditions, including inflammatory intestinal illness, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis…as well as to suppress the immune system after a transplant. These drugs may be prescribed as a pill, injection, a spray or a skin cream. When used for a short time or injected into a joint or swollen area there is no effect on bone health; but when used for long periods of time (3 months or more) they begin to destroy the bone-building process. Some of the more frequently prescribed steroid drugs are Prednisone, Prednisolone, Medrol, Deltasone, Decadron, Cortisone, Cortel, Celestone, and Aristocort.

Studies show that within the first year after starting corticosteroid therapy, patients lose an average of 14 percent of their bone mineral content. Anyone on long-term steroids should have a bone density scan, use bone-building supplements, join an exercise class that includes weight training and consult with their doctor about taking medication that would prevent the inevitable bone loss.

When choosing a bone building supplement, the best calcium for osteoporosis treatment and prevention will include a lot more than calcium. Medical authorities agree that vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption but unfortunately few supplements provide the recommended level of 800 IUs a day. Vitamin K also helps to push calcium into the bones and magnesium helps to improve the quality of the bone. While all of these minerals and vitamins are available in a healthy diet, the right supplement will provide the extra boost needed to prevent steroid induced osteoporosis.

Strontium citrate should also be considered as part of an osteoporosis prevention program. Research has shown that strontium is an effective dual-action agent that can increase bone density by up to 15% within three years. But strontium is only effective when taken on an empty stomach and when supported by sufficient calcium and vitamin D.