Lupus is an immune system disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, skin, blood cells or any number of different organs, including the heart and lungs. Lupus is highlighted by periods of remission and flares. The fact that women are prone to lupus more than men is just one reason why calcium is plays a role in the disease. Women with lupus are also at higher risk for brittle bone diseases, according to MayoClinic.com, which can be prevented with vitamin D intake and calcium absorption.
Bone Disease
About 90 percent of lupus patients are women, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Women with lupus are also about five times more likely to have osteoporosis and a related bone fracture compared to women who don't have the immune disorder. The Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center reports that the reason for the osteoporosis and lupus link is that medications prescribed for treating the inflammatory disease can cause significant bone loss. Additionally, pain and fatigue associated with lupus can interfere with exercise and activity, increasing a woman's chance even more for developing the brittle bone disease.
Vitamin D
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine reports that the sun can trigger a lupus flare. Getting direct sunshine on the skin is one of the best ways for the body to naturally produce vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and strong bones. The next best option is to eat foods rich in vitamin D and take supplements. The Office of Dietary Supplements reports that healthy kids and adults need 600 IU of vitamin D a day. Foods rich in the sunshine vitamin include cod liver oil, salmon and fortified orange juice. You should discuss your vitamin D needs with your doctor since lupus could be interfering with your ability to absorb the bone-building nutrient.
Prevent Bone Loss
Women with lupus need calcium almost more than any other group, due to bone loss caused by medications and increased risk for osteoporosis. The recommended 1,000 mg of calcium a day is even difficult for people who are not at increased risk for bone loss, according to LFA. The best way to get calcium is by getting the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D. While you may feel tempted to load up on dairy and calcium supplements, the LFA warns against that, saying that consuming more than 2,000 mg of calcium a day puts you at risk for developing kidney problems.
Suggestions
Lupus patients not only have to worry about vitamin absorption, but vitamin depletion as well. A diet high in protein can actually deplete calcium stores. Christine Gerbstadt, a registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokesperson, warns against eating more than 0.8 g of protein per pound of body weight a day. You should also watch caffeine intake, as the stimulant can promote calcium loss. Drinking a lot of alcohol can interfere with the absorption of nutrients required for strengthening strong bones.
References
- Lupus Foundation of America: Statistics on Lupus
- "Lupus Now": Bye-Bye Bone Loss: Boost the Calcium in Your Diet Tastefully; Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H.; Fall 2007
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- Einstein: For Lupus Patients: A Day in the Sun?; Julia Hess;
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium
Member Comments