Osteoporosis Risk: Cola Affects Bone Mineral Density Loss
October 11, 2006 09:58

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 55 percent of Americans, mostly women, are at risk of developing osteoporosis, a disease of porous and brittle bones that causes higher susceptibility to bone fractures. Findings reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition state that cola, a popular beverage, may contribute to lower bone mineral density in older women, a condition which increases risk for osteoporosis.

In women, cola consumption was associated with lower bone mineral density at all three hip sites, regardless of factors such as age, menopausal status, total calcium and vitamin D intake, or use of cigarettes or alcohol. However, cola consumption was not associated with lower bone mineral density for men at the hip sites or the spine for either men or women. The results were similar for diet cola and, although weaker, for decaffeinated cola as well.

Carbonated soft-drink consumption increased more than three-fold" between 1960 and 1990, cite the authors. They also note that more than 70 percent of the carbonated beverages consumed by people in the study were colas, all of which contain phosphoric acid, an ingredient that is not likely to be found in non-cola carbonated beverages. Physiologically, a diet low in calcium and high in phosphorus may promote bone loss, tipping the balance of bone remodeling toward calcium loss from the bone. Previous studies have also shown that low fruit and vegetable intake may affect bone mineral density. (Pharma Lexicon)

Pennsylvania Dental Assoc.: Osteoporosis Drugs Pose Dental Threat
October 12, 2006 09:55

Bisphosphonates, a class of drugs commonly used for osteoporosis, have recently included a new addition to their list of side effects, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or jawbone death. The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) would like to inform the public... (Read Article)

Medications for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
October 15, 2006 13:16

Bisphosphonates include a group of medications that act by destroying the osteoclasts. The result is a significant decrease in bone turnover and bone loss. These medications have been proven thus far to be the most effective in fracture reduction. Studies have... (Read Article)