VITAMIN K

Research (11) has shown that vitamin K deficiency could lead to impaired mineralization of bone due to decreased osteocalcin levels. Osteocalcin is one of the proteins in the organic matrix with a role in binding calcium to the matrix. The requirement for this vitamin can be explained biochemically. Osteocalcin contains a special unusual amino acid called gamma carboxyglutamic acid, whose presence is needed to make osteocalcin a really tight binder of calcium. Vitamin K is needed for the conversion of glutamic acid to its gamma carboxy derivative. Vitamin K is found in abundance in green leafy vegetables. Osteoporotic women have been found to have only 35% of the blood vitamin K levels that are normal in age-matched controls.

FOLIC ACID

The importance of folic acid (one of the B vitamins) for bone health seems to be connected with its role in the metabolism of the amino acid homocysteine. Methionine, one of the essential amino acids present in food proteins, is converted in the body partly to homocysteine, which, although it is a normal product of metabolism, becomes toxic if it accumulates. The importance of this has been shown up as a result of finding some individuals with a genetic fault of the enzymes for the removal of homocysteine. In these people, homocysteine accumulates to high levels and they become subject to osteoporosis from an early age. Usually, premenopausal women are very efficient at removing homocysteine from their system but this ability is reduced at the menopause. Serum homocysteine levels were measured in female volunteers after they received a dose of methionine. The levels were substantially greater in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women, with no overlap between the two groups. Treating the women with folic acid partially prevented the methionine-induced rise in serum homocysteine. This happened even though none of the women were folic acid deficient according to orthodox measurements. Hence, the menopause appears to be associated with an increased requirement for folic acid, which, if it is not met, leads to increased homocysteine in the blood and thence to osteoporosis. The study quoted in this paragraph is that of Battstrom L.E. et al (12)

Folic Acid deficiency is quite common and typical American diets have been said to contain only half the recommended daily allowance. Folic acid status is further damaged by oral contraceptives, alcohol and smoking.

FLAVONOIDS 

Several flavonoids have been claimed as showing remarkable abilities to stabilise collagen structures. These  are the proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins found in berries with deep red-blue juice. Since collagen is the major protein structure in bone, stabilisation of its integrity and structure with a high and regular intake of these berries is pleasant and, probably, advisable, though more research on this is needed. It will be noted below that some other slightly different flavonoids occur in oranges and lemons, and these are useful in connection with other menopausal symptoms. Grape seed may also be used as a source.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS    

Omega 3 fatty acids are both nutritionally essential yet rather scarce in the UK and US diet except among those who consume a fair amount of fatty fish, like mackerel, herrings and salmon. Fish oils provide these acids, mainly as eicosopentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA); they are recommended to be taken in the dosage of 3 grams of the pure acids per day. They are essential for many processes within the body and this has been shown to include the maintenance of strong bones. In the case of non-fish eaters, flaxseed or flaxseed oil may be used.

The Role Of Trace Minerals

This can be best understood by consulting a detailed review of the literature, such as that by Wallach S. & Chausmer A.B (13), which discusses most of the minerals which are serious candidates for supplementation in preventing or treating osteoporosis. It will now be useful to look more closely and individually at these same minerals.

BORON  

The non-metallic trace mineral boron has been recently shown to have a positive effect on calcium and active oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women. Supplementing the diet with 3 mg of boron daily reduced urinary calcium excretion by 44% and dramatically increased the levels of the most biologically active oestrogen, oestradiol. This position of boron in this role is unusual because it is not recognised as an element essential to human nutrition. The work by Neilson, F.H. (14) illustrates this.

The biochemical role of boron has been described as “oestrogen-like”. If it brings about an actual increase in the body’s production of oestrogen, this is understandable. The way it functions is not quite clear, but it has been suggested that it is required for the interconversion of different types of steroid hormone. Whatever the mechanism, intake of extra boron has been found to result in the formation  of low concentrations of a form of oestrogen having high activity. It is thought that this obviates the dangers which accompany the administration  of much higher doses of oral oestrogen that have to be used in HRT.

The same type of biochemical change, which is required for the interconversion of the above steroids, is also required for the formation of the active form of vitamin D, the vitamin needed for the absorption of calcium. Some studies show that shortage of boron may lead to poor Vitamin D status. Hence, boron deficiency may be having a marked effect upon calcium absorption.

Boron is most readily available from vegetables, fruits and nuts. Therefore, boron intake may well be yet another case of a micronutrient whose daily human intake is being compromised today by industrialised food patterns and unwise food choices.

STRONTIUM

This trace mineral, a relative of calcium, is known mostly because of its radioactive form. In its non-radioactive form, it is non-toxic, accumulates in bone, occurs naturally in food and has a beneficial effect on bone health. Strontium has been shown to improve signs and symptoms of osteoporosis significantly. In one study of strontium supplementation (15), 85% of the subjects experienced a marked reduction in bone pain and 75% displayed increased bone density on X-rays.