If a bone density scan has placed you at risk for osteoporosis, you might want to think twice before starting a bone-building medication as a first course of action. Changing your diet to include more calcium and vitamin D is an effective and less risky strategy that doctors often disregard, according to a recent University of Illinois study published in the journal Nutrients.

Many doctors are quick to prescribe bone-building medication because they believe it's unlikely that people will change their diets, said study co-author Karen Chapman-Novakofski, professor of nutrition at University of Illinois. But these medications have risks, which ironically include an increase in hip fractures and jaw necrosis, and therefore should be used as a last resort when diet and supplements don’t help, she said.

In the study, which analyzed 219 articles in scientific journals, the researchers found that adults who increase their intake of vitamin D and calcium, whether through food or supplements, usually increase their bone mineral density and reduce their risk for hip fracture significantly.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that adults age 50 and older get a total of 1,200 mg of calcium and 800-1,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D every day. Karen Plawecki, lead author of the study, said it is possible to consume the recommended calcium without gaining weight. Three glasses of 1 percent or skim milk contain 900 mg of calcium, and many other foods, like soy milk, orange juice, cereal and bread, are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

The researchers also noted that following a low-sodium diet seems to have a positive effect on bone density. Click the National Osteoporosis Foundation links below for tips on getting enough calcium and vitamin D.

http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis/prevention/calcium

http://www.nof.org/aboutosteoporosis/prevention/vitamind