Osteoporosis Supplements and Tests: DEXA, Vitamin D & Bone Markers
Supplement considerations
OsteoFriend®
19 active ingredients that target the 7 biological pathways typically impaired in those with osteoporosis.
Curcumin & Turmeric
Curcumin stimulates osteoblasts to build bone and reduces inflammation which is degenerative to bones.1
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium is one of the main minerals in the bone matrix after calcium. The majority of people do not consume enough magnesium in their diet, and follow a dietary and lifestyle pattern that uses up excessive levels of magnesium stores.2
Vegan Omega 3
There is a strong link between osteoporosis and chronic inflammation. Reducing inflammation reduces markers such as C-reactive protein and interleukins and helps to slow down bone degradation. Omega 3s increase osteoblast activity and decrease osteoclast activity.3
Vitamin D3 & K2
Vitamin D3 & K2 is an essential vitamin for those with osteoporosis. Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium across the intestines and into the blood. The majority of the population do not have sufficient vitamin D blood levels.4
Gut Works®
A healthy microbiome is essential for strong bones. Not only do the probiotics in the gut help with the absorption and metabolism, they also produce key nutrients for bone health such as vitamin K, and some B vitamins.5
Testing considerations
| Test | Marker | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Scan | Bone Mineral Density | A test to measure bone density and diagnose osteoporosis by assessing risk for fractures. It identifies areas of low bone mass, especially in the spine, hips and forearms. |
| Bone turnover markers | Osteocalcin, CTX, P1NP | These tests assess bone resorption and bone formation. Elevated CTX (C-terminal telopeptide) and osteocalcin levels may indicate higher bone turnover, which can lead to bone loss. |
| Homocysteine | Homocysteine levels | High levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of fractures and bone loss. Elevated homocysteine can interfere with bone formation and mineralisation. |
| Vitamin D | 25-Hydroxyvitamin D | Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption across the gut and bone density. Deficiency in vitamin D can accelerate bone loss and increase fracture risk. |
| Thyroid function and parathyroid test | TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, PTH | An overactive thyroid or underactive thyroid can affect bone health. The thyroid regulates calcium levels, and imbalances can increase bone loss. Raised PTH levels can result in excessive calcium loss from bones, weakening bone density. PTH regulates calcium levels and its imbalance can lead to osteoporosis. |
| Inflammatory markers | C-reactive protein | Raised inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) can indicate increased bone resorption. Chronic inflammation accelerates bone loss and worsens osteoporosis. |