Chewable Vitamin D And Calcium Are Part Of A Natural Approach To Osteoporosis Prevention - By: Project

New research shows that taking chewable vitamin D and calcium supplements may be more effective in preventing osteoporosis with fewer side effects than taking prescription medications meant to reverse bone loss.

In the past two decades, doctors have been touting the advantages of taking prescription medications to prevent bone loss due to osteoporosis. Increasingly, however, some doctors are advocating a natural approach to strengthening bones and preventing fractures that’s better for women’s health without the long-term, sometimes severe, side effects of the prescription drugs.

University Of Illinois Study Suggests Chewable Vitamin D And Calcium Are Best

A recent study by two physicians at the University of Illinois has revealed some surprising results after tracking the impact of supplemental, educational and dietary interventions over a decade. The researchers, including Dr. Karen Chapman-Novakofski and Karen Plawecki, also reviewed over two hundred scientific articles before coming to that conclusion that powerful anti-osteoporosis drugs should only be considered a last resort by most women because of the many side effects. The researchers suggested that taking chewable vitamin D and calcium supplements was preferable to the use of prescription medications.

The Advantages Of Supplements

The researchers noted that taking D supplements and calcium increases skeletal mineral density and dramatically reduces the risk of hip fractures in healthy, post-menopausal women. They commented in a recent medical journal article that taking chewable vitamin D and calcium supplements seldom resulted in any side effects, while prescription drugs revealed a variety of side effects ranging from muscle and joint pain to coughing up blood or jaw necrosis. Drugs prescribed to prevent osteoporosis are also very expensive, but the most crucial problem noted in the study was that many of the drugs encouraged the growth of new bone over old. This sometimes resulted in bone structure that appeared strong but that was actually quite fragile and brittle, leading to fractures over time.

Other Ways To Decrease Bone Loss

Taking chewable vitamin D and calcium supplements weren’t the only suggestions by the researchers. A low sodium diet was seen as having a positive impact on bone density. Avoiding processed meats, lunch meats, processed foods and salty cheeses is one way to reduce salt intake. A diet high in fresh vegetables and fruits was also recommended by the University of Illinois scientists. They stated clearly that adequate protein intake, low sodium consumption and increased potassium intake all contributed to better health when combined with chewable vitamin D and calcium supplementation.

Doctors continue to advocate regular exercise as the most important way to increase bone density and maintain strength as you age. Weight bearing exercises are the most effective. In fact, weight bearing exercises such as jogging, dancing, lifting hand weights or tennis can improve bone density when done for a half hour just three days a week. Combining a healthier diet with the right supplements and regular exercise is the best way to improve bone density and suffer from fewer fractures as you age. If you’re considering anti-osteo medication, talk to your doctor about taking chewable vitamin D and calcium supplements as a safe, healthy alternative with fewer side effects.

About the Author

Adult Essentials offers the first complete line of vitamin D for Adults specially designed for adults. Adult vitamin gummies are approved natural health products.

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