Bone Basics Alerts

Bone Basics Alerts provide you the most current information about osteoporosis related topics in the news, delivering the facts right to your in-box. Register below to receive these informational email alerts from NOF.

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National Osteoporosis Foundation on Bone Mineral Density Testing

This week the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) expanded its guidelines on osteoporosis screening to include younger women at increased risk of bone fractures. The newly released guidelines expand routine screening to include all women 65 and older as well as younger women at increased risk of bone fractures. Read more >>

Institute of Medicine (IOM) updates vitamin D recommendations

November 30, 2010 -- Today the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released updated recommendations regarding calcium and vitamin D intake.  IOM recommends 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D every day for most healthy adults under age 71 and 800 IU for healthy people age 71 and older.  The updated IOM recommendations for vitamin D intake are sufficient for most healthy adults, however, some adults may need more. These include those with very little sun exposure (or who consistently wear sun screen or protective clothing), dark skin, osteoporosis, problems absorbing dietary fat or who are taking medicines that interfere with vitamin D. Read more >>

FDA: Possible increased risk of thigh bone fracture with bisphosphonates

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned patients and health care providers about the possible risk of atypical thigh bone (femoral) fracture in patients who take bisphosphonates, a class of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. A labeling change and Medication Guide will reflect this risk. Read more >>

Bisphosphonates and Reports of Unusual Broken Bones in the Femur (Thigh Bone)

Researchers have been looking into a possible link between the use of bisphosphonate medicines, such as alendronate (Fosamax®), ibandronate (Boniva®), risedronate (Actonel®) and zoledronic acid (Reclast®) and an unusual type of broken bone in the femur (thigh bone). Bisphosphonate medicines are prescribed to reduce the risk of fractures (broken bones) in people with osteoporosis. Read more >>

NOF's Bone Basics on Calcium

A recent analysis published in the British Medical Journal suggests a possible link between the use of calcium supplements and risk of hearts attacks.

While more conclusive research is necessary to confirm these findings, you can learn what we currently know about calcium by reading NOF’s Bone Basics on Calcium (PDF).