Prednisone Causes Osteoporosis
Corticosteroids, also called glucocorticoids, are powerful drugs for decreasing inflammation and modulating the immune system. They help control the symptoms of asthma, arthritis and other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. These medications include cortisone, prednisone, beclomethasone and dexamethasone. Topical use of these medications as steroid creams can cause thinning skin, but it’s not associated with bone loss. Systemic use of corticosteroids, such as oral prednisone, however, causes osteoporosis and fractures. Decreasing inflammation with prednisone may help in managing the symptoms of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, but it also weakens bones by speeding up bone breakdown and interfering with new bone formation.
Losing bone happens quietly, without any symptoms alerting people that it’s happening. The first sign that there’s a problem usually is when someone suddenly breaks a bone or gets a routine bone density scan (DEXA scan) that shows bone loss. Studies show that these drugs are so dangerous for bones that 30-50% of people taking them long-term suffer fractures. Taking these medications for only a few months increase fracture risk up to 75%.
Corticosteroids do more than just strip calcium from bones. Fractures can occur early in treatment before any meaningful bone loss has even occurred because these drugs damage the overall bone health and bone strength independent of calcium. The encouraging thing to know is this: as rapidly as fracture risk rises when taking glucocorticoids, the risk drops just as rapidly when therapy is stopped.
Even Small Amounts Put You at Risk
Doses as low as 2.5mg per day of prednisone for 6 months increase fracture risk of vertebral fracture, and higher doses create even greater risk. A study of nearly a half million patients found that those taking more than 7.5mg per day of prednisone (or the equivalent) doubled their risk of getting a hip fracture and nearly tripled their risk of a spinal fracture compared to people taking dosages less than 2.5mg per day.
If You Liked This, You Might Also Enjoy
References
Yun AJ, Lee PY. Maldaptation of the link between inflammation and bone turnover may be a key determinant of osteoporosis. Med Hypotheses. 2004;63(3):532-537. [article]
Weinstein RS. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2012;41(3):595-611. [article]
Van Staa TP, Laan RF, Barton IP, Cohen S, Reid DM, Cooper C. Bone density threshold and other predictors of vertebral fracture in patients receiving oral glucocorticoid therapy. Arthritis Rheum. 2003;48(11):3224-3229. [article]
van Staa TP, Leufkens HG, Abenhaim L, Zhang B, Cooper C. Oral corticosteroids and fracture risk: relationship to daily and cumulative doses. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2000;39(12):1383-1389.
Yonemura K, Fukasawa H, Fujigaki Y, Hishida A. Protective effect of vitamins K2 and D3 on prednisolone-induced loss of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine. Am J Kidney Dis. 2004;43(1):53-60. [article]
Top Nutrients for Brain Health
Over the next two decades, 20% of all Americans will be over 65 years old. That’s 72 million people, and the majority of those folks will live well into their 90s. Chronic diseases increase with age, including heart disease, depression, osteoporosis, and cancer. But one of the scariest declines of all to contemplate is losing your mind. Forgetting names, faces, your loved ones, or even how to cook and take care of your basic needs. Fortunately, nutrients have been shown in clinical trials to promote the brain, including significantly improving memory and mood.
Vitamin K for Bone, Brain, Immune and Liver Health
MK4 is a specific form of vitamin K2. And while MK4 is best known for bone health, it’s an important nutrient used throughout your body. Among all the forms of vitamin K2, only MK4 has been shown to maintain strong bones; support brain, liver, and immune health; and promote healthy bone marrow and blood cell production.
Six Surprising Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D does a whole lot more than support healthy bones. Vitamin D supports brain health, muscle size and strength, heart health, mood, pancreas health and insulin balance. This blog discusses six surprising benefits of vitamin D and six more reasons to make sure you get enough of this powerful nutrient.
Your purchases help us support these charities and organizations:
NBI: About Us | Our Quality | Contact Us | Products | Loyalty Program
Support: Return & Exchange Policy | Shipping Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Site Map
Connect with Us on Social: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional with questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Your purchases help us support these charities and organizations:
NBI: About Us | Our Quality | Contact Us | Products | Loyalty Program
Support: Return & Exchange Policy | Shipping Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Site Map
Connect with Us on Social: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional with questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.