<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I asked the question for a  friend who has CD
" If her mother has CD too will going GF now do anything to help the
osteoporosis? ( she is in her 70s) or has the damage been done and her bones
will not improve."

The most encouraging email :
I was diagnosed at age 70 with CD.  I had severe osteoporosis.  I have been
taking 1500 mg of calcium daily and Fosomax once a week.  My hip density has
improved but it is still considered osteoporosis.  My spine density has
improved and is now osteopenia. I try to exercise 3 times a week but I am
not a jock.  I find that difficult, but I am encouraged that rather than
losing more bone mass, I have increased it."

" There have been some recent studies posted on this - most seemed to
confirm that if you have CD, going GF will improve bone density (even
without
supplements, although better with a calcium supplement, such as critical,
with sufficient vitamin D and magnesium to aid in absorption).  The first
year, medications like Fosomax were not indicated, as they can actually make
bone density worse with celiac (as you are not absorbing enough calcium, so
it pulls calcium from the bones).  As a result, until going GF, medications
for osteoporosis often have no effect for those with celiac."

Some people wrote that they are having treatment for osteoporosis and hope
it will improve I had  been told that this will only help it from not going
any further, but will not repair the damage already done.

Others who were younger had big improvements:
 I am 67, was on a high risk path for osteoporosis; had osteopenia,
noticeable bone loss in the jaw (loose teeth, yikes!).  After going gf 8 yrs
ago and taking 1500mg calcium citrate every day I am off the high risk list
(3% improvement in bone density with each test - done every 3 yrs) no longer
have osteopenia,
and my bone loss in the jaw has stopped.
I had osteoporosis (-3.5) when I was dxed with CD at the age of 49.  By 3
1/2 years later, my bone scans were measuring +1.75, which was consistent
with normal bone density for my age group, according to the attending
technician doing the test.  I was taking ALOT of calcium supplementation
(Viactiv chews--4 chews/day, not at the same time), plus some yoghurt.  I
have since lost some density, due to being on a diet and quitting the
supplementation, and I am working on getting back to the +1.75 measure.  My
technician was VERY surprised that I could initially change my density test
so rapidly for the better.  He said this was highly unusual and attributed
it to my "young" age.

A valid point :
A post menopausal woman, particularly by the age 70 has a high risk of
osteoporosis with or without celiac disease.

Others stressed the importance of exercise
One can  hold osteoporosis  stable with weight bearing exercises

For a person who has CD and osteo, going gluten free will definitely help
the osteo. This is because CD damage prevents absorption of food (calcium),
supplements (calcium) and medication(prescribed to increase calcium
absorption and retention).  If your gut is damaged, you don't absorb what is
consumed.


 Have a bone density test every year to track your progress

  Improving bone density can be done; keeping it improved is an ongoing
battle.  Also, age MAY possibly play a part in whether one can improve bone
density dramatically.
Also some people posted some research to the loop I have not included this
here.
Thank you to all who replied.
Tarnya

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