Drug Topics - December 10, 2007 - (Page 31)

www.drugtopics.com DECEMBER 10, 2007 DRUG TOPICS 31 CONTINUING EDUCATION An ongoing CE program of The University of Florida College of Pharmacy and DRUG TOPICS Natural medicines for bone health Dana Kay Davis, Pharm.D. candidate; Diane Nykamp, Pharm.D., Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Atlanta, Ga. CE The University of Florida College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACPE # 012-99907-240-H01-P ACPE # 012-99907-240-H01-T proximately 30 million women in the United States have a low bone mass or osteoporosis. A woman’s risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. Risk factors for osteoporosis are listed on Table 1. Pathological changes in osteoporosis The hallmark of osteoporosis is a deficiency in bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to enhanced bone fragility and increases the risk of fracture. Fractures commonly occur in the vertebrae, hips, or wrists due to both cortical and trabecular bone loss. Natural medicines for osteoporosis Calcium: Calcium is an essential nutrient, primarily needed by the body for growth. Of the total body calcium, 99% is located in the teeth and bones. It is mainly present as hydroxylapatite, an inorganic mineral in bone. The metabolic function of calcium is to serve as a secondary messenger in the coupling responses between intracellular and extracellular signals. Muscle contraction, cardiac function, and nerve conduction in the body are examples of these types of activities. Calcium deficiency is common. According to the National Dairy Council, 90% of women over 20 years old and 73% of men over 19 do not meet the recommended daily allowance for calcium. If dietary intake is not sufficient, the body meets its metabolic calcium demands by releasing parathyroid hormone in the body. Parathyroid This lesson is no longer valid for CE credit after 12/31/09. To obtain immediate CE credit, take the test on-line at www.drugtopics.com. Just click on the “Continuing Education” box on the Drug Topics home page, which will take you to the CE site. Log in, find and click on this lesson, and follow the three simple steps. Test results will be displayed immediately and you can print the certificate showing your earned CE credits. T he popularity and perceived benefits of natural supplements in maintaining good bone health highlight the need for better understanding of the mechanism of actions, adverse effects, proper use, and potential interactions of these products with prescription agents. This article reviews the safety of selected natural medicines that patients often use to prevent or treat osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. OSTEOPOROSIS Osteoporosis is a major health risk and a condition that is commonly treated with supplements. Ap- For questions concerning PRINT CEs, call (352) 273-6275. For questions concerning ON-LINE CEs, call (866) 261-3558. Photo: Jim Shive www.drugtopics.com www.drugtopics.com

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Drug Topics - December 10, 2007 Latebreakers Latebreakers in Depth Letters Health-System Edition - Cover Story Clinical Practice Professional Practice Special Report Technology Community Practice Unraveling Medicare 150 Years of American Pharmacy Rx Care In the Pipeline Cover Story: Fair or foul? Self-Care Chains and Business Government and Law Continuing Education: Natural Medicines for Bone Health New Products Advertisers Index Classified Viewpoint

Drug Topics - December 10, 2007

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