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The effect of boron intake was analyzed in a study involving 12 post-menopausal women not on estrogen replacement therapy.15 Patients were first given a boron-deficient diet for 119 days, followed by a 48-day period in which they received boron supplementation. Patients also were studied during periods of adequate magnesium intake versus magnesium deficiency. Deprivation of boron or magnesium caused changes similar to those seen in women with post-menopausal osteoporosis, including increased loss of urinary calcium. In women receiving boron supplements, however, urinary losses of both calcium and magnesium were significantly diminished, especially if dietary magnesium was low. Boron manifests similar integrative effects on bone metabolism in its actions relating to vitamin D, which enhances calcium absorption through the stomach and small intestine. This integrative effect of boron with vitamin D, as with boron’s interaction with magnesium, appears to be more profound in settings of vitamin D deficiency.

Men also are advised to increase their intake of vitamin K. Research has identified a link between vitamin K intake and the incidence of hip fracture. One study examined 900 elderly patients to determine whether vitamin K intake had any influence on hip fractures or low bone density.16 The researchers found that those with the highest vitamin K intake had the lowest level of hip fracture; no association was found between vitamin K intake and bone mineral density.

The study authors concluded that vitamin K helps keep bones healthy. (Those taking Coumadin® or other anticoagulant medication should not take vitamin K.)

Two recent studies reported in the journal Bone provide evidence that silicon plays a role in promoting bone formation. The first, a survey of 3,000 people, found that dietary silicon was associated with greater bone mineral density,17 except for postmenopausal women. The second study found that silicon has a stimulatory effect on collagen in the osteoblast cells that form bone.18 The study authors concluded that silicon is more important in forming bone that in preventing bone loss.

In men whose bone loss is the product of low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy is vital. Testosterone works by improving bone thickness, especially in the small bones of the spine. Spinal fractures are much more common in men than in women. Moreover, men with low testosterone are twice as likely as women to suffer a hip fracture. After taking testosterone, men often report increased energy. (Men with prostate cancer, however, should not take testosterone.)

Testosterone therapy can take many forms. An injection can be given every two to three weeks. Patches are available that release the hormone at night, as is a cream form that can be applied to the skin. Additionally, a variety of natural supplements can be taken to increase testosterone levels.

As the population continues to age, more and more men will discover—unfortunately too late—that they are suffering the consequences of osteoporosis. Now is the time to be proactive with your physician and request a bone density test.

The two types of bone density tests are DEXA (dual x-ray absorptiomethyl) and QCT (quantitative computed tomography). DEXA is the most common bone mineral density test, but the QCT test is clearly superior. In a paper published by Smith, et al, investigators compared DEXA and QCT bone mineral density testing in the same patients. A significantly greater percentage of men were found to have osteoporosis using the QCT methodology than the DEXA approach. QCT technology picked up abnormalities in bone density in 95% of men compared to only 34% of the same men using DEXA.

Because most physicians are not readily familiar with QCT technology, it is important that patients and their partners share these new findings and seek out radiology facilities that have QCT equipment. Two references for sources of QCT testing are Mindways, Inc., and Image Analysis. To contact Mindways, call 1-877-646-3929 or log on to www.qct.com. To contact Image Analysis, call 1-800-548-4849, or log on to www.image-analysis.com. With proper supplementation, exercise, and lifestyle changes, you can avoid the crippling effects of this insidious disease.