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.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements do not increase bone density in premenopausal women
A Cochrane Review of seven randomized studies shows that calcium and vitamin D do not improve BMD (bone mineral density) in healthy premenopausal women and is unlikely to prevent fractures.
Hip fracture risk predicted by red blood cell width
Hip fracture risk can be predicted by RDW, a biomarker commonly included in a complete blood count (CBC).
Increasing calcium intake does not prevent fractures
"Collectively, these results suggest that clinicians, advocacy organisations, and health policymakers should not recommend increasing calcium intake for fracture prevention, either with calcium supplements or through dietary sources."
Bisphosphonates increase risk of atypical fracture
More evidence that bisphosphonates (Fosamax® (alendronate), Boniva® (ibandronate), Actonel® (risedronate), Reclast® (zoledronic acid), etc.) by increasing bone density while sacrificing bone health increase the risk of atypical fractures is presented in a study just published in the journal Family Practice.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Osteoporosis risk is increased by bone marrow fat linked to blood triglycerides
Excess accumulation of bone marrow fat promotes osteoporosis... A study recently published in the journal Radiology offers evidence that bone marrow fat tracks liver and muscle fat, and can be predicted by the level of serum triglycerides.
Osteoporosis bone loss reversed by prunes
Research just published in PLoS One (Public Library of Science) offers evidence that prunes, now fashionably known as dried plums, not only help to reduce bone loss but stimulate new bone growth.
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.
Oral bisphosphonates increase osteomyelitis of the jaw
Oral bisphosphonates increase osteomyelitis of the jaw
Patients on steroids must have Vit D levels checked
Patients on steroids must have vitamin D levels checked
The highest amounts of calcium intake increase the risk of fracture
The highest amounts of calcium intake increase the risk of fracture
Olive oil for age-related bone loss and osteoporosis
Olive oil for age-related bone loss and osteoporosis
Calcium supplements increase risk of heart attack
Calcium supplements increase risk of heart attack
Proton pump inhibitors to suppress stomach acid increase risk of fracture and infection
Proton pump inhibitors to suppress stomach acid increase risk of fracture and infection
Fractures and other complications of osteoporosis drugs
Fractures and other complications of osteoporosis drugs