Many people are affected by broken bones that fail to heal properly, especially the elderly, who are prone to osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures. New research, using mouse as a model system, has found that transplanting stem cells into a fracture resulted in a stronger, faster healing bone. Researchers at the University of… [Continue Reading]
Obesity and Belly Fat Linked to Bone Loss in Women
November 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Contrary to what scientists previously thought, obesity has now been shown to have a harmful effect on bone health. A newly published study examined fat deposits in different parts of the body, and found that women with higher amounts of fat in the abdomen had reduced bone mineral density, placing them at risk for developing… [Continue Reading]
Low Sodium Can Cause Falls in Elderly
November 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Older adults with even mildly decreased levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia) experience increased rates of fractures and falls, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition. Falls are a serious health problem for the elderly and account for about 50 percent of deaths due… [Continue Reading]
Time Off From Osteoporosis Drugs Can Help Bones
November 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Taking time off from certain osteoporosis drugs may be beneficial to bone health, according to a study conducted at Loyola University Health System. Researchers found that bone density remained stable for three years in patients who took a drug holiday from bisphosphonates, a popular class of osteoporosis drugs that can cause fractures in the thigh… [Continue Reading]
Daily Vibration Could Reduce Age Related Bone Density Loss
October 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Researchers report that a daily dose of whole body vibration may help reduce the usual bone density loss that occurs with age. Twelve weeks of daily, 30-minute sessions in 18-month old male mice – which equate to 55- to 65-year-old humans – appear to forestall the expected annual loss that can result in fractures, disability… [Continue Reading]
Vitamin D Deficient IBD Patients at Greater Risk of Osteoporosis
October 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Vitamin D deficiency puts patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at greater risk of osteoporosis, osteopenia and an overall higher rate of abnormal bone density, according to the results of a new study. The study found that of the 161 IBD patients in the cohort, reduction in bone density with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or… [Continue Reading]
Researchers Confirm There is a Genetic Risk Factor for Osteoporosis
September 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have confirmed there is a genetic risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Although more studies are still needed, these findings will make it possible to take preventive measures. Scientists have discovered that the genetic variant 677C>T (a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that is very well known in genetic studies) is linked to osteoporotic… [Continue Reading]
Osteoporosis Drugs Related to Serious Fractures of the Thigh Bone
September 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A widely prescribed class of drugs is highly effective in reducing common bone fractures in people with osteoporosis, but an expert panel announced today that these same drugs – when used long term – may be related to unusual but serious fractures of the thigh bone. In the most comprehensive scientific report to date on… [Continue Reading]
Calcium, High Blood Pressure, Osteoporosis Link in Postmenopausal Women
June 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment