Treatment and prevention of osteoporosis

In a retrospective study of patients with hip fractures, less than 15% of subjects were diagnosed and less than 13% were treated with medications for osteoporosis, including calcium and vitamin D. Yet vitamin D insufficiency is present in up to 96% of hip fracture patients. Fracture patients require evaluation of secondary causes and treatment of osteoporosis to help prevent subsequent fractures. Calcium is important for preventing osteoporosis and bone disease, as it’s a major building-block of bone tissue.

Research conducted by scientists from the University of Bristol in the UK and the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio suggests that low levels of magnesium may increase the risk of bone fractures and that, conversely, high levels may ward off this cause of disability.