Before anti-osteoporosis drug, change diet

URBANA, Ill., May 2 (UPI) -- Before a doctor prescribes bone-building medication as a result of a bone density scan, U.S. researchers suggest diet changes and supplements.

Karen Chapman-Novakofski, a professor of nutrition at University of Illinois, says prescription bone-building medications are expensive and many have side effects, including an increase in hip fractures and jaw necrosis, and should be used as a last resort.

The review, published in the journal Nutrients, reported adults who increase their intake of calcium and vitamin D usually increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk for hip fracture significantly -- often via supplements, but food is also a good source of these nutrients.

"I suspect that many doctors reach for their prescription pads because they believe it's unlikely that people will change their diets," Chapman-Novakofski says in a statement.

Lead author Karen Plawecki, director of the University of Illinois dietetics program, says menopausal women should consume 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day.

"Three glasses of 1 percent to skim milk will get you up to 900 milligrams," Plawecki says. "The rest can easily be obtained through calcium-rich and calcium-fortified foods."

Examples of foods fortified with calcium and vitamin D are soy milk, orange juice, yogurt, crackers, cereal, bread, breakfast bars and even pancakes, Plawecki suggests.