(NaturalHealth365)  A recent study has found that a medication promoted to offer relief for osteoporosis and weak bones may actually be causing weaker bones!  Researchers found a class of drugs called bisphosphonates caused a higher risk of ‘micro-cracks’ in the bones of some individuals.  Previous research out of the Imperial College London and published in the journal Scientific Reports also came to similar conclusions.

These micro-cracks reduce the mechanical strength of the bone, which is the last thing persons suffering from osteoporosis need.  Osteoporosis affects an estimated 200 million persons worldwide, usually those over age 65, causing weak bones to become more fragile and prone to breakage over time.

Bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis may actually cause weak bones

In the study, researchers examined bone samples from 16 osteoporosis patients.  All had suffered a broken hip, and half had been taking a bisphosphonate for their osteoporosis.  The researchers utilized X-rays from the Diamond synchrotron to examine the participants’ bone structure at high resolution.

Much to their alarm, it was found that the bones of some persons taking bisphosphonates had both micro-cracks and reduced mechanical bone strength.  The team expressed an urgent need to look further into these findings immediately.

Bisphosphonates could be hindering positive osteoclast functioning

The micro-cracks found were similar to those when a plastic ruler is flexed.  Over time, they weaken the bone and cause it to become more prone to breakage.  While bone is regularly renewed throughout life and the healing of micro-cracks can, in many cases, make the bones stronger, in persons with osteoporosis, the weakening outpaces the body’s ability to renew the bone.

This is due to the presence of osteoclasts, cells that weaken the bone and become overactive.  These osteoclasts can burrow holes and perforations in the bone in persons with osteoporosis.  The most common fracture types in older individuals are in the hip, wrist, ankle, and spine.

Bisphosphonates were thought to help persons with osteoporosis by slowing down osteoclast activity and reducing bone weakening and breakage.  However, another function of osteoclasts is the removal of old, damaged bone so that new bone can grow.  Because of this, these bisphosphonates are doing more harm than good in some individuals.

Researchers advocate alternative approaches to osteoporosis treatment

There are currently around 190 million prescriptions for bisphosphonates issued globally.  Researchers previously thought these drugs prevented the risk of bone fracturing by 30 to 50 percent.  However, the new research indicates there could be deeper problems with the drug for some individuals.

In fact, for some, bisphosphonates may increase the risk of bone weakening and fractures.

The research team recommends additional studies on bisphosphonates as soon as possible.  They also recommend developing alternative osteoporosis treatments that work through building new bone instead of just attempting to slow the deterioration of old bone.

Natural solutions for stronger bones

It turns out Mother Nature might be offering better options than pharmaceutical companies!  Getting your body moving with regular walks or light weightlifting triggers bone growth at the cellular level.  Your diet matters, too – calcium-packed foods like dark greens give your bones the building blocks they need.

And don’t forget; sunshine helps your body make vitamin D naturally, something many people lack.

Interesting research shows fermented foods contain vitamin K2, ensuring calcium ends up in your bones instead of clogging your arteries.  Cutting back on coffee and alcohol isn’t a bad idea since both can flush calcium out of your system.  Of course, talk to your holistic doctor before discontinuing any prescribed medications – but the evidence suggests a natural approach might be safer for many people battling weak bones.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Imperial.ac.uk
Sciencedaily.com