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

Celiac patients of all ages are prone to bone density decreases.   This
may be due to osteoporosis or osteomalcia.  The latter is caused by
vitamin D deficiency.  Most studies that have looked at the effect of a
GFD on bone density have soon that the pemenopausal women do the best
improvement of the bone density.  This improvemnt may take 2-3 years.
It is imporatant to rule out osteomalcia or hyperparathryoidism which
can occur.

In the younger patients often all that is needed is a 1200mg calcium
diet and adequate vitamin D and appropriate weight bearing exercise.
Drugs like fosamax have really not been tested in celiac patients at
all.  It has not been used to any great extent in premenopausal women
either.

This is not medical advice
Joseph A Murray, MD
Coordinator, Celiac Disease Clinic,
Associate Professor of Medicine,
Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology,
University of Iowa,
200 Hawkins Drive,
Iowa City, IA 52242