Osteopenia (Low Bone Density): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment

Vitamin D

Vitamin D
Vitamin D

The deficiency of vitamin D and the insufficient amount is quite common in patients having osteopenia (or osteoporosis as well), recommends a 2006 study of 448 people. Vitamin D is significant for helping your body to absorb calcium, a mineral element to maintain and form bone.  Exposure to the sun’s UVB rays aid in the synthesis of vitamin D in the body. But because UV exposure is known to raise the chance of having skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests gaining vitamin D from supplements and food sources.

Your doctor might suggest medications if you have a broken bone already. But most people try various nutritional herbs and supplements before they have any fracture to form stronger bones. The main ones are vitamin D and calcium supplements. Many adults must get between 1000 and 1200 milligrams of calcium and 600 to 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day. If you are not having sufficient of these nutrients in your diet and do not spend much time outside in the sun, ask your healthcare provider if you might require a supplement or not. Other nutritional supplements might be beneficial for strengthening your bones but there is small research that reveals how well they function. These consist of:

  • Copper
  • Boron
  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the two omega-3 fatty acids present in fish
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  • Silicon
  • Vitamin B6, folic acid and Vitamin B12
  • Manganese
  • Zinc
  • Strontium

Herbs that might be beneficial such as:

  • Horsetail
  • Black cohosh
  • Red clover

Before taking any nutritional or herbal supplements, visit or talk to your healthcare provider regarding them.