foodconsumer.org: New Treatment Could Cure Osteoporosis

New Treatment Could Cure Osteoporosis
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admin on 02/09/2010 12:54:00
 
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