Fosamax slows bone loss associated with osteoporosis, a condition that makes it more likely for your bones to break. Some people take vitamin K instead to avoid the side effects associated with Fosamax. For those most susceptible to osteoporosis, studies suggest that combining the two treatments offers the greatest benefit. Many factors determine treatment for bone loss, such as your sex, age and severity of bone loss. Discuss the best treatment for you with your doctor.
Fosamax Considerations
Fosamax, known generically as alendronate, slows bone loss and increases bone mass. The focus of Fosamax, however, is on slowing bone loss. Precautions must be taken with Fosamax to avoid side effects, many of which are serious. Users must be capable of maintaining an upright position for at least 30 minutes in order to take Fosamax. If you lie down too soon after taking it, you may experience irritation of the stomach or esophagus, according to Drugs.com. Other problems associated with Fosamax and other oral bisphosphonates are bone loss in the jaw characterized by swelling, numbness, gum infection and loose teeth. Fosamax might not be safe if you have troubling swallowing, a vitamin D deficiency, dental problems, kidney disease or an ulcer. You might need to discontinue Fosamax temporarily before having dental surgery to avoid serious complications of the jaw bone.
About Vitamin K
You naturally have vitamin K in your body because it comes from bacteria found in the intestines. Some antibiotics, however, can kill the bacteria, which can lead to a vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K ensures proper use of calcium for bone health. People with osteoporosis tend to have low levels of vitamin K; taking vitamin K supplements might improve bone health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you cannot or do not want to take Fosamax, discuss with your doctor the benefits of substituting vitamin K. You can also get vitamin K from green tea, beef liver, broccoli, spinach, kale, asparagus, cabbage and turnip greens.
Study
A study published in the “Current Drug Safety” journal in 2006 found that combining vitamin K-2 with alendronate is more effective than using alendronate alone. Although the study found that use of alendronate should be the first treatment choice if possible, the study also pointed out that vitamin K deficiency contributes to hip fractures in post-menopausal women. Therefore, use of vitamin K should not be discounted.
Vitamin K Considerations
Vitamin K is available in three forms: K-1, K-2 and K-3. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that there are no known toxicity levels associated with vitamin K-1 or K-2; this is not so for K-3. Large doses of vitamins A or E can impede vitamin K absorption. To get the proper dosage of vitamin K for bone health and to decrease cardiovascular diseases, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends taking a multivitamin and eating at least 1 cup of dark green vegetables a day. Replacing butter and cheese with olive and canola oils can also help you get vitamin K.
References
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: What Is Osteoporosis?
- Drugs.com: Drug Interactions Between Vitamin K1 and Fosamax
- "American Family Physician"; Bisphosphonates: Safety and Efficacy in the Treatment and Prevention of Osteoporosis; Susan L. Greenspan, et al.; May 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin K; June 2009
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin K; Jane Higdon; May 2004
- "Current Drug Safety"; Role of Vitamin K2 in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis; Jun Iwamoto, et al.; 2006
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