With the coronavirus showing no signs of slowing down, millions across the globe are currently staying in self-isolation and are stuck indoors. Even though the lockdown has been lifted, many are still working from home to prevent themselves from contracting the deadly virus and are only stepping out to purchase essentials.

While this practice can restrict the spread of the virus, however, it can also have an unpleasant side-effect – a deficiency of Vitamin D! Sunlight is the major source of Vitamin D for us and this particular nutrient is extremely vital for ensuring the health of our bones and teeth. However, as lesser number of people are now stepping out of their homes, it has reduced their ability to absorb necessary elements such as calcium and phosphorous which are essential for maintaining the bone health and has increased the risk of osteoporosis among them.

Vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition when bones of a person become weak and brittle. This condition affects the bones and makes people extremely weak. People suffering from this condition are always at an increased risk of a fracture and they have such weak bones that even minor incidents or bending or even sneezing can cause a fracture among them.

It’s quite common to one’s knowledge that bone density is at its peak till 35 years and thereafter it starts decreasing. Bones naturally start becoming thinner and weaker due to the slow regeneration process at later ages of one’s life. During this period, if someone lacks the necessary exposure to the sun and consumes inadequate calcium then it can aggravate the incidence of osteoporosis among them. Currently, due to improper diets, faulty lifestyles and the absence of sun exposure, a large part of our population, including relatively younger adults, are falling prey to osteoporosis. Hence, more number of healthcare experts are now urging people to take Vitamin D supplements while staying at home.

How can you spot the signs of Vitamin D deficiency ?

The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are often very subtle and many don’t even know whether or not their body is undergoing a vitamin D deficiency. But, some of the effects through which one can spot the signs of vitamin D deficiency include:

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Bone pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Sour mood
• Low energy
• More frequent illness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Weight gain
• Hair loss

What should one do to prevent Vitamin D deficiency?

Firstly one needs to ascertain if their Vitamin D level in your body is low. In order to do so they can make use of diagnostic tests that can determine the blood Vitamin D content in their bodies. The results of these test can help in determining the amount of Vitamin D one needs.  If the test results are low, then the one should IDEALLY start taking Vitamin D supplements with Calcium ( sometimes with Magnesium and Zinc) to meet the required amounts for their bodies. Furthermore, one can alternative look at including Vitamin D rich foods such as egg yolks, mushrooms, orange juice, salmon, cow’s milk, soy milk, cereal, oatmeal, cod liver oil and cheese in their diet to meet the daily vitamin D requirement.

As we continue to fight a pandemic, a viral disease which has crippled the world, it has  become very important for us that besides practising social isolation, hand hygiene, hand sanitization and cough etiquettes, we must also maintain good health so that even if we contract the virus, our body is prepared to overcome it.  As our way of living has drastically changed right now and we are unable to receive the necessary amount of exposure to the sun, hence, it is advisable that we increase our intake of calcium rich foods during the lockdown to keep conditions like osteoporosis at bay.

Blood tests recommended for screening bone health:

1. 25 OH-Vitamin D on LC-MS/MS platform – more accurate result than immunoassays, hence, reduces unnecessary treatment. Separately estimates D2 (plant source derived) & D3 (animal source derived) for better therapeutic monitoring. Immunoassays overestimate D3 and underestimate D2.
2. Calcium – Total and Ionized
3. Phosphorus
4. Trace elements like Magnesium, Zinc etc

Dr. Aditi Gupta
Lead Consultant – Bio Chemistry
Aster Labs, Bengaluru

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The word Osteoporosis stands for “porous bone”. This disease occurs when body loses bone mass that increases the risk of sudden and unexpected bone fractures. Osteoporosis often develops without any symptom but has serious life‑changing impacts like fragility fractures and disability. There is a series of recent publications that are raising serious concerns about increased risks for fragility fractures due to this disease.

Risk factors for osteoporosis:

Though, osteoporosis can occur in both men, women and children but it has been found that women are more prone to suffer from this disease. This is because women tend to have lighter and smaller bones than men. Also, the risk increases if the women start the menopause before the age of 45 years or she has her ovaries removed. Beyond gender, major risk factors for osteoporosis are:

• Age
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Deficiency of Vitamin D and Calcium
• Inactive lifestyle
• Use of Tobacco or Alcohol

Usually, osteoporosis has no any symptoms that is why it is called as silent disease. However, if individual is observing loss of height (an inch or more), leaning shoulder, curve in back or pain in lower back then it may be starting of the disease. People above the age of 45 years or have above mentioned symptoms are recommended to consult with the doctor regarding osteoporosis screening.

Maintaining good life style and working style is necessary to keep bones healthy. Treatment of the osteoporosis will vary on the basis of different factors such as age, sex, risk of bone fracture or previous injury history. Fortunately, new medications are available to slowdown or even stop the bones to get weaker. These medicines can also decrease the risk of unexpected fractures.

Tips after diagnosis of Osteoporosis

If one has been diagnosed with this problem, then it is advised to take below mentioned measures to avoid potential falls that can lead to bone fracture:

• Wear well-fitted shoes with rubber soles that are in good condition and can support ankle.
• Use assisted devices, such as cane or walker. Elderly patients should keep standing cane which can be put near their bed so they do not have to find the cane when they get up at night. Most of the falls happen that ways.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Regular and balance exercises after the consultation by doctors / physiotherapists.
• Keep rubber mats by the sink and in the bathrooms to prevent slipping.
• Have regular checkup of sight and hear as untreated vision / hear problem can often cause falls.
• Keep well hydrated.
• Rooms and house should be well lit so that you don’t trip and fall in the dark.
• Use handrails on stairs.
• Follow the instructions of Doctor.

Where to go from here?

There is a critical need to raise the awareness regarding osteoporosis. Don’t wait for the break leg or wrist to find out that you have osteoporosis. Physical therapists instruct patients about proper exercises and tell them safety measures. So, don’t delay and consult immediately to your healthcare provider about Osteoporosis screening.

Dr. Saif N. Shah
Senior Consultant – Medeor Hospital 
Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi

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There is an increasing number of cases being reported on osteoporosis among Bengaluru’s populace. Termed an Urban Disease, Osteoporosis is a painful ailment which causes bones to go weak and fragile, making the person exposed to fractures, injuries and constant pain. It can start at an age as young as 25 years. Worldwide, osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an Osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds.

Osteoporosis cases have been seeing a steady rise among middle-aged people, especially women. In a study conducted by International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) worldwide, 1 in 3 women over age 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures and among Indian women aged 30-60 years, Bone Mineral Density (BMD) was much lower. Spending on healthcare is also a major concern among affected families, particularly because once fractured, the person is said to be vulnerable to multiple injuries.

A survey done by SPARSH Hospital in Bangalore discovered that less than 50% of the respondents were aware of Osteoporosis, its causes and impact on life. While a sedentary lifestyle, habits like smoking, drinking, using antidepressants, sedatives can all increase the risk of fractures and injuries, it could also be genetic, studies say. But early care is the key to preventing this ailment from affecting our day to day activities. Maintaining a Calcium and Vitamin D rich diet, exercising regularly, keeping habits in check and regular check-ups can really help keep this ailment at bay.

Living longer, even beyond 100 years seems to be within the realm of modern medical possibilities. However, Osteoporosis, with its implications, seems to be a critical impediment for good quality of life. Fortunately, today’s medical science offers us great options of preventing and treating Osteoporosis. Preventing fractures due to Osteoporosis is a far superior option than treating one.

Dr. Sharan Patil
Chairman of SPARSH Hospital.
Bengaluru

The post Why Osteoporosis is increasing among urban populace? appeared first on Health Vision.

India is the Osteoporosis capital of the world. It is a very common problem. As per a study in 2003 the number of osteoporosis patients in India were approximately 26 million. It is estimated that by 2050, half of the world’s fractures will occur in Asia.*

“Difficulty in use and early drop-outs is often cited as a common reason for non-compliance of osteoporosis medication. The medication is primarily used by people of 50 years and above. We realized that if the delivery system is complex, people stop using it. The ease of use of delivery device is as important as development of new drugs. The biosimilar NuPTH aims to be a cost effective solution for patients and will be sold as an easy to use, pre-filled disposable pen,” says Amit Ajmera, Vice President, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited.

“Cadila has always been committed to quality and affordable care. With the launch of NuPTH we intend to strengthen our orthocare portfolio and help increase choice, and access for osteoporosis care to patients in the Indian Market. NuPTH builds new bones with ease, and we want all patients to have access to it. Biosimilars market is a focus area for us and we will continue to strengthen our portfolio”, said Mr. O.P. Singh, President -Sales and Marketing, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited.

NuPTH is the third biosimilar announced by the organization in the past one month. The pharma giant has recently launched Rituximab and Bevasizumab biosimilars, recommended in multiple indications under the brand names Ritucad™ and Bevaro™ respectively.

August 4 is celebrated as National bone and joint day by Indian orthopaedic association. Lack of Nutrition is often cited as the cause of brittle bones. While supplements, help in prevention of osteoporosis, the biosimilar product is the only agent which helps build new bones.

Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (www.cadilapharma.com) is one of the largest privately-held pharmaceutical companies of India. It has recently concluded and cleared USFDA inspection successfully in February 2020. Over the past six decades, Cadila Pharmaceuticals has been engaged in development and manufacturing of affordable medicines and in making them available for patients across the world. Its innovation-driven drug discovery processes ensure the health and well-being of people around the world.

*Sengodan VC, Sivagnanam M, Thiagarajan N, Vellaiyan S. Evaluation of osteoporosis among medical and paramedical staffs in a tertiary health-care hospital in India. J Nat Sc Biol Med 2019;10:29-33

Also read: WHY OSTEOPOROSIS IS INCREASING AMONG URBAN POPULACE?

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