New Treatment Could Cure Osteoporosis

Most drugs prescribed for osteoporosis at this point can only prevent old bones from losing bone minerals. But a new drug designed to stop production of serotonin in the gut may help grow bones and make them stronger, according to a new study in the Feb. 7 issue of Nature Medicine.
 
Gerard Karsenty, lead author and professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons tested an experimental drug that inhibits serotonin synthesis in the gut in rodents; he then found that the drug prevented osteoporosis from developing or cured the condition if it pre-existed.
 
Serotonin produced in the gut accounts for 95 percent of the body's load and it is known to inhibit the bone formation.
 
For the study, the researchers administered a small dose of the drug, dubbed LP533401, once a day for six weeks to rodents that experienced postmenopausal osteoporosis.
 
Rodents were prevented from having osteoporosis if they did not have it before the treatment or were cured of the condition completely if they had the condition prior to the treatment.
 
Two weeks for rodents could be mean 4 to 5 years for humans.
 
Drugs may not be the only solution. Certain foods and nutrients are known to be preventative against osteoporosis.
 
Tucker K. L from Tufts University published a review article in the Dec 2009 issue of Current Osteoporosis Reports saying that in addition to calcium and vitamin D, fruit and vegetables are beneficial to bone health.
 
Specifically, Tucker reported that several nutrients including magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, several B vitamins, and carotenoids are important in maintaining bone health.
 
On the other hand, regular intake of cola beverages have a negative impact while protein intake and drinking green tea seem to benefit bone status, particularly in older adults, according to this and other studies.

David Liu and editing by Rachel Stockton