Osteopenia Supplements

Osteopenia is a loss of bone mineral density. Calcium is the primary mineral that gives bone its strength. Bone density is supported by calcium intake, sex hormones and vitamin D intake. Osteopenia can be treated by the supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, estrogen and medications called bisphosphonates. Ask your doctor about whether these treatments are appropriate for you.

Calcium Supplementation

Calcium supplementation alone may not be sufficient to treat osteopenia because the body does not absorb all the calcium in certain supplements. Calcium supplements that are likely to be most effective are the chewable ones. According to an article by the University of Michigan, calcium should be supplemented at doses of 1200 to 1500 mg per day.

Vitamin D Supplementation

It is advisable to supplement vitamin D along with calcium because vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium. According to an article by the University of Michigan, vitamin D should be supplemented at doses of 400 to 800 international units, or IU, per day. Vitamin D is also synthesized when the skin is exposed to sunlight, so some sun exposure each day may be advisable.

Estrogen Supplementation

In some cases, especially in postmenopausal women, lack of estrogen is the cause of osteopenia. In postmenopausal women, estrogen replacement can be used to treat symptoms of menopause including osteopenia. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, estrogen has been shown to reduce the risk for hip and forearm fractures. Estrogen must be prescribed and carefully monitored by a physician, however, because it is associated with increased risk of clot formation in the legs and lungs.

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are often prescribed for the treatment of osteopenia; aledronate, risedronate and ibandronate are the most popular. Bisphosphonates may be more effective than supplements when osteopenia is verging on osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates must be prescribed by a physician and monitored for side effects.