Osteopenia At 35...argh!

[RissaRoo]

Ok, so a few weeks ago my dr. pointed out that she thought I might have refractory sprue. She had me do a bone density test to see if there might be damage due to not absorbing minerals....I was thinking *surely* at 35 there couldn't possibly be that kind of thing going on.

I was wrong.

Dang! Osteopenia?!? At least it doesn't look like full blown osteoperosis at this point. I still don't have the full results back and am praying that it is at least not very bad. Does anyone else have this? And can I build some bone back if I start now? And what do you do when you can't have dairy and need calcium?

And advice would be great. I have half-heartedly been popping the occational calcium supplement for the last few years, But I'm guessing the Calci-Yum gummy bears ain't cutting it. Sigh.

[missy'smom]

I take the Nature Made calcium/magnesium/zinc/D supplement.

[ang1e0251]

I also have to supplement calcium but I recently read more about mag. The calcium can't work without magnesium. Just make sure you are taking enough. I read the book "The Magnesium Miracle". It does talk about the relationship between the two. It will tell you how much to supplement for different conditions.

[nasalady]

Ok, so a few weeks ago my dr. pointed out that she thought I might have refractory sprue. She had me do a bone density test to see if there might be damage due to not absorbing minerals....I was thinking *surely* at 35 there couldn't possibly be that kind of thing going on.

I was wrong.

Dang! Osteopenia?!? At least it doesn't look like full blown osteoperosis at this point. I still don't have the full results back and am praying that it is at least not very bad. Does anyone else have this? And can I build some bone back if I start now? And what do you do when you can't have dairy and need calcium?

And advice would be great. I have half-heartedly been popping the occational calcium supplement for the last few years, But I'm guessing the Calci-Yum gummy bears ain't cutting it. Sigh.

Hi RissaRoo....so sorry to hear that you're going through this!

I too have been diagnosed with osteopenia, and because I'm now on prednisone (which, like celiac disease, is bad for your bones), my doctor has me taking Fosamax. Fosamax, with calcium supplementation, supposedly can help you build bone back. But I just found out that one of the nastier side effects of Fosamax is that it can actually cause Sjogren's Syndrome. I'm having classic Sjogren's symptoms so am thinking I need to stop the Fosamax.

I wonder if just taking the calcium and magnesium will be enough?? I know there are other medications to help counter bone loss.

In any case, I wish you the best of luck with all of this!

Take care,

JoAnn

[Puddy]

Hi RissaRoo! I'm so sorry to hear about your osteopenia. You haven't been having a very good year so far, have you?!

I also have osteopenia in 2 of my vertebrae and osteoporosis in another, but surprisingly my hip measurement is fine. Discovering that is what started this 'wonderful' odyssey into the world of Celiac Disease! I was on Boniva for a while but it was giving me terrible heartburn. My doctor has me using a calcium nosespray and I take Citracal with magnesium and Vit D. Before I was diagnosed, I never took calcium because it always constipated me. But now that I definitely have to take it, the magnesium is a really big help. You have to take 4 of them a day to get the 1200 mgs of calcium recommended. And you shouldn't take them all at the same time. I take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. You also shouldn't combine them with iron if you have to take that. I've also read that you shouldn't take any medications like Boniva, Fosamax, etc. until you've been on the gluten free diet for a year...something about the calcium levels in your blood. I believe that was in the Dr. Green book.

I haven't been back yet for another bone density test to see if it's helping. My insurance company will only cover one of them every two years. But I have read on a couple other posts, that people have built bone back just being on the diet since they start to reabsorb the calcium. So there is hope!

P.S. I miss you menus!!!

[missy'smom]

I found that I had to build up to the full daily dose, taking 1 tablet faithfully and then adding in the next and then the third over a period of time. It also seems that I can't take the last one with dinner or before bed as I seem to digest all night and not sleep well.

A little something showed up on mine last year too-in the hip-but Doc. said he wanted to hold off any judgement until another year or two. Said something about the Z score being important and mine was fine. I remember him saying something about different components/scores and them comparing you with different things/groups of people.

[sbj]

I still don't have the full results back and am praying that it is at least not very bad. Does anyone else have this? And can I build some bone back if I start now? And what do you do when you can't have dairy and need calcium?

Try not to get too worried about osteopenia. I also have been diagnosed - male age 45. There is a certain amount of controversy regarding this diagnosis so I'd suggest a quick read of the following link:

Open Original Shared Link

I haven't yet read anyone here remark about the importance of exercise:

"Exercise is important in maintaining strong bones, because bone forms in response to stress. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, hiking, and dancing are all good choices. Adding exercise with light weights or elastic bands can help the bones in the upper body."

The drugs (that are over-prescribed) should really be reserved for those at great risk for developing osteoporosis. Not everyone with osteopenia will progress to osteoporosis.

As far as getting your calcium and vitamin D:

"Your best sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products, green vegetables, and calcium-enriched products. Your doctor may also want you to take a calcium supplement, often combined with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and other minerals. It is found in eggs, salmon, sardines, swordfish, and some fish oils. It is added to milk and can be taken in calcium and vitamin supplements. In addition to what you take in from food, your body makes vitamin D in response to sunlight."

"Some of the best vegetable sources of calcium include kale, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, Chinese cabbage, chicory and bok choy. Broccoli, chard and acorn squash, though not as rich in calcium, are more common sources."

[Jestgar]

Another calcium reference (and a great site).

Open Original Shared Link

[lizard00]

Thank you sbj for mentioning exercise, it is absolutely vital that you do weight-bearing exercise. Walking is not enough, however, you need to actually do something involving weights, ie hydraulic machines, free weights, etc.

And if you take calcium in the morning, make sure it's not with your coffee.

My mom is 59, has reversed her osteoporosis into osteopenia by supplementing with calcium and doing weight bearing exercises 3-4 times a week. It's been a slow process, but it can be done.

[Gemini]

Thank you sbj for mentioning exercise, it is absolutely vital that you do weight-bearing exercise. Walking is not enough, however, you need to actually do something involving weights, ie hydraulic machines, free weights, etc.

And if you take calcium in the morning, make sure it's not with your coffee.

My mom is 59, has reversed her osteoporosis into osteopenia by supplementing with calcium and doing weight bearing exercises 3-4 times a week. It's been a slow process, but it can be done.

Actually, walking IS a weight bearing exercise, especially if you carry the load uphill. You do not have to go into a gym and pump iron to achieve results. I think that whole issue has been overblown.

Also, the younger you are, the more likely the problem will reverse with a strict gluten-free diet, along with supplements and a diet rich in calcium. That does not mean dairy, either. Many cultures do not eat or drink dairy and have no bone loss problems because they eat lots of green, leafy veggies and fish like salmon. Americans have been misled into thinking you need dairy to build strong bones and that is untrue. I think THE most important thing to do is follow a strict gluten-free diet so your intestines will heal and you will absorb again. Without absorption, all the rest will not help do anything.

[lizard00]

Actually, walking IS a weight bearing exercise, especially if you carry the load uphill. You do not have to go into a gym and pump iron to achieve results. I think that whole issue has been overblown.

I didn't say it wasn't weight bearing, I said it wasn't enough. Walking is often recommended because it's easy, it's free, and it's great cardiovascular exercise. I know plenty of people who walked for exercise for years and have osteoporosis, one in particular has kyphosis. Thanks, but I'll stick to my 30 min of hydraulic machines.

In addition, people who are overweight have a tendency to have more bone mass due to carrying around extra weight. This is part of the reason that people who are thinner and have smaller frames are at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis. And considering women peak out at bone mass around the age of 25-30, the sooner we start preserving it, the better.

[sbj]

the younger you are, the more likely the problem will reverse with a strict gluten-free diet, along with supplements and a diet rich in calcium.

I disagree. I'm fairly sure that bone loss cannot be reversed with only gluten-free diet, supplements, and calcium/vitamin D. Everything I have read indicates that these measures assist in retarding further bone loss - they don't actually rebuild bone. Weight bearing exercise stimulates bone remodeling to assist in preventing fractures. Hormone therapy, Evista, and bisphosphonates (Fosamax) will build some bone.

However, I don't believe any of these measures are necessary for osteopenia at a young age. Try weight bearing exercise and proper diet. And, of course, the poster should go over all of these issues with her doctor being properly skeptical of any recommendation to use Fosamax or the like. I think we all agree that simply popping some calcium is not the complete solution.

[Jestgar]

I disagree. I'm fairly sure that bone loss cannot be reversed with only gluten-free diet, supplements, and calcium/vitamin D. Everything I have read indicates that these measures assist in retarding further bone loss - they don't actually rebuild bone. Weight bearing exercise stimulates bone remodeling to assist in preventing fractures. Hormone therapy, Evista, and bisphosphonates (Fosamax) will build some bone.

I know you posted this as 'opinion', but I'd love to read more about it, if you happen to still have links.

[sbj]

I know you posted this as 'opinion', but I'd love to read more about it, if you happen to still have links.

Of course I did not save the links! Sorry, let's see if I can find new sources . . .

The first Q+A was my source . . .

Open Original Shared Link

One has to be careful. There appear to be a lot of snake oil salesmen out there pushing supplements that rebuild bone. Bone cells are constantly being replaced so the terminology is often confusing. Bone density is what we should be concerned about here, I think.

[lizard00]

I disagree. I'm fairly sure that bone loss cannot be reversed with only gluten-free diet, supplements, and calcium/vitamin D. Everything I have read indicates that these measures assist in retarding further bone loss - they don't actually rebuild bone. Weight bearing exercise stimulates bone remodeling to assist in preventing fractures. Hormone therapy, Evista, and bisphosphonates (Fosamax) will build some bone.

However, I don't believe any of these measures are necessary for osteopenia at a young age. Try weight bearing exercise and proper diet. And, of course, the poster should go over all of these issues with her doctor being properly skeptical of any recommendation to use Fosamax or the like. I think we all agree that simply popping some calcium is not the complete solution.

OMG! sbj are we agreeing on something!!!

[sbj]

And if you take calcium in the morning, make sure it's not with your coffee.

I have been washing my morning calcium down with coffee! Does this prevent absorption or . . . ?

Contrary to popular opinion, I enjoy agreeing with people.

[lizard00]

I have been washing my morning calcium down with coffee! Does this prevent absorption or . . . ?

Contrary to popular opinion, I enjoy agreeing with people.

You know, a dietician once told me that. But now, I'm looking into it. Seems like it did hinder absorption, not totally, but did hinder it. I'm investigating as we speak....more to come. Maybe she was giving her opinion?

EDIT: Open Original Shared Link

Low calcium intake is clearly linked to skeletal fragility, and it is likely that a high caffeine intake is often a marker for a low calcium intake. The negative effect of caffeine on calcium absorption is small enough to be fully offset by as little as 1-2 tablespoons of milk. All of the observations implicating caffeine-containing beverages as a risk factor for osteoporosis have been made in populations consuming substantially less than optimal calcium intakes. There is no evidence that caffeine has any harmful effect on bone status or on the calcium economy in individuals who ingest the currently recommended daily allowances of calcium.

I have a feeling this was because my mom eats very little dairy, if any, and since all RD's believe you can't possibly get enough calcium without dairy....

But probably because it does seems there is a small negative effect of caffeine on calcium absorption, and she had osteoporosis... in her case it wasn't such a great idea.

I had heard this a few times before, so I guess there is some truth to it, though a little more minimal than originally thought.

[cyberprof]

I take the Nature Made calcium/magnesium/zinc/D supplement.

I also take this tablet, twice a day. And I don't take it within an hour of having caffeine. Not sure if that's really true but I try to be safe.

Diagnosed with osteopenia at 48.

I really want to avoid Boniva etc., as I've read about the side effects. It might be ok, but then again I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Also, I read that anyone who has osteo should cut out caffinated soft drinks, which I've done. They may leach calcium from bones.

I walk and garden and have just started lifting weights after a three year break. Walking isn't as good as lifting weights but it's better than nothing and better than swimming or biking.

[NicoleAJ]

I was diagnosed with osteopenia at 27 and the doctor put me on Fosamax for a year. A year later my osteopenia had gotten a good deal worse, so the doctor wanted to switch me to Boniva. I took it once or twice, but it caused major upper GI problems for me. Then I started to read how bad it could be to conceive a child with these types of drugs in your system, so I stopped taking medication for it. I've been taking calcium and vitamin D daily along with getting as much as I can in my diet. I also do a lot of walking and 3x a week on the elliptical. I haven't gotten a bone scan recently, so I'm not sure it my efforts have been working.

[RissaRoo]

Thank you guys so much! I feel a lot better about it having read this.

I went out today and got a gym membership for the family (actually, I tried to do it yesterday but their computers were down). I went through all the weight machines and then swam. I already walk about 3 miles maybe 4 or 5 times a day, which I guess I'll continue to do. I do have sort of a small frame and have a nasty habit of yo-yo dieting, so that probably contributes to the problem (not to mention the lactose intolerance). I'm hoping that the damage is from Celiac's past and bad lifestyle habits and not refractory sprue.

I read that coffee...400 mg of caffeine or more...can sap your bone density. Um, my hubby worked for Starbucks for nine years! We are addicts. One cup of coffee has 200 mg, a large mug has 400...and I have been drinking at least 2 large mugs daily. Ouch.

Also...the diet soda has to go. I knew it was bad for me anyway, but it was my little indulgence. sob sob.

I still haven't heard from my GI, I am guessing she doesn't yet have the report so I will call her tomorrow. I also need to report to her that the abx I was on for SIBO seem to have wreaked even more havoc on my system rather than curing it...I'm doing a little better this week but last week I got hit with GI grief, major bloating, plus suddenly got sick with a bad cold...fever and all. Ick. I felt better for several days, then relapsed back into worse D than usual...I'm a bit better now, but that wasn't fun.

Thank you all for your support! And Puddy and Nasalady, I'm sorry about the dinner menus! I have sort of crapped out in general lately. Mondays, I'm writing and moderating a book club for The High Calling Blogs, plus doing a home school co-op and a Bible study. I about snapped my husband's head off for suggesting that low bone density might be caused by stress, but he may have had a point.

Getting the menu done wasn't happening...plus we're basically eating beans and rice lately, and how many people really want a menu consisting of two ingredients? I do miss doing it, though...so I may start doing them again soon.

Thanks again for all the info! I will keep watching this thread, it's so helpful to have input from those who have btdt!

[ang1e0251]

I also take this tablet, twice a day. And I don't take it within an hour of having caffeine. Not sure if that's really true but I try to be safe.

How much magnesium does this give you?

A lot of mention about calcium but I'm reading that without the proper balance with magnesium, the calcium won't be used. By the way, I'm kind of freaked out because I think I just slept through the night. I can't even remember the last time that might have happened. I've had insomnia since I was 12 YO. That is thanks to the magnesium. I upped my dose again yesterday, working toward the full dose I need. I can't believe the relief from that one supplement.

[hermitgirl]

I was diagnosed last year with osteopenia at 30. A month after my Celiac diagnosis. Both my GI and my regular Dr. told me to take Oscal D twice a day. That was it. I know that isn't enough, as Oscal has minimal magnesium, and I know I need to exercise more and all that. Both told me though that since I was so young, and more than likely this was caused by malabsorption, that was all I needed. I have been taking calcium supplements on and off since I was in my early 20s. Osteoperosis runs in my family.

What are some of the better supplements that we celiacs can take to get a decent ratio calcium/vitamin D/magnesium? I know I ask for a lot, I just hope I can find it all in one pill, as I am tired of taking so many supplements and pills already.

[cyberprof]

Hmm... not sure why the quote function got messed up...sorry!

I'm so glad you had a good night's sleep! After I started taking magnesium, I stopped a lot of little annoying symptoms that I had around diagnosis, like blood rushing sound in my ears (weird) and anxiety spikes.

Both of these are Nature Made brand vitamins...I like this brand as it is realiably gluten-free.

The "Calcium Magnesium Zinc w/Vit D" supplement that I take twice a day has:

200 IU of Vit D (50% RDA)

333mg Calcium (33%RDA)

133mg Magnesium (33% RDA)

5mg of Zinc (33% RDA)

My "Multi for Her" by Nature Made has 100mg of Magnesium (25%RDA) and 250 of Calcium (25%RDA).

So if I take 2 of the C-D-M-Z and a multi, plus I sometimes take an additional magnesium only tablet with my multi, then I'm pretty sure I'm getting enough magnesium and calcium.

~Laura

[Puddy]

Thank you all for your support! And Puddy and Nasalady, I'm sorry about the dinner menus! I have sort of crapped out in general lately. Mondays, I'm writing and moderating a book club for The High Calling Blogs, plus doing a home school co-op and a Bible study. I about snapped my husband's head off for suggesting that low bone density might be caused by stress, but he may have had a point.

Oh, Rissa....I was just teasing! I'll just repeat your old menus!! You just worry about YOU and getting yourself better.

[RissaRoo]

Thank you all for your support! And Puddy and Nasalady, I'm sorry about the dinner menus! I have sort of crapped out in general lately. Mondays, I'm writing and moderating a book club for The High Calling Blogs, plus doing a home school co-op and a Bible study. I about snapped my husband's head off for suggesting that low bone density might be caused by stress, but he may have had a point.

Oh, Rissa....I was just teasing! I'll just repeat your old menus!! You just worry about YOU and getting yourself better.

;o) I know...I just miss doing the menus and I do realize that I've let my Mondays get a little crazy.

Hey, I should add that Nasalady has a really great blog with menus and recipes on it...I've been relying on her some weeks lately!

Open Original Shared Link also, another blogger friend of my is doing weekly menus: Open Original Shared Link

They both post on Mondays.