FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BLOG 

Includes over 800 monographs reporting on emerging studies in the medical and scientific literature of practical clinical importance, easily searched for content.

Zoledronic acid ups bone density but doesn't reduce fractures

Zoledronic acid (Zometa®, Zomera®, Reclast®, Aclasta®), like other bisphosphonate drugs, slows bone resorption by binding to bone and inducing apoptosis (killing) osteoclasts, the bone cells that clear old bone to make room for new. A study just published in JAMA Internal Medicine adds to the evidence that this strategy, while improving bone mineral density, may not reduce and may even worsen fractures.

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Nigella sativa, a true 'wonder medicine'?

Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, produces seeds with a mind-boggling wealth of medicinal virtues. For colleagues and others who may not be familiar with the abundance of scientific evidence for the use of Nigella sativa seed extract in clinical practice, this selection of citations serves as an introduction to its wide range of indications.

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Calcium supplementation and abnormal calcium in blood and urine

Calcium supplementation is often recommended without careful determination of individual need and tolerance. Conflicting studies have raised the suspicion of an increase in cardiovascular risk associated with calcium (which may occur when the anti-inflammatory effects of magnesium are opposed). A study just published in the journal Menopause offers evidence that for a significant percentage of women modest calcium supplementation produces abnormally high levels in blood (hypercalcemia) and urine (hypercalciuria).

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Neuropsychiatric illness in non-celiac gluten sensitivity

Neuropsychiatric illness can result from neuroinflammation due to a variety of causes. Recent studies offer more evidence that depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders can be a manifestation of non-celiac gluten sensitivity. A paper published in Gastroenterology Research and Practice explores the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which gluten sensitivity can present as a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions in the absence of celiac disease.

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Bisphosphonates adversely affect orthodontic treatment

Bisphosphonates are drugs used to increase bone density by killing off the cells that resorb old bone (osteoclasts) to 'make room' for new bone cells. Bisphosphonates include alendronate (Fosamax and Binosto), zoledronic acid (Reclast), risedronate (Actonel) and ibandronate (Boniva)...A study just published in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics documents adverse effects of bisphosphonates on orthodontic outcomes.

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