A very seldom mentioned effect of bisphosphonates (drugs such as Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva) is that these drugs block very important metabolic pathways. Even if you never took bisphosphonates, you will benefit greatly from using this message to improve your health. Perhaps this information is not often brought to light because of its complexity, but I consider this information extremely valuable and would like to share it with you. So let’s get started…
Bishposphonates can be catalogued as nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous; the former are the most widely prescribed for treating osteoporosis. Like statins – drugs used to lower blood cholesterol levels - nitrogenous bisphosphonates begin their action on bone metabolism by blocking the enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) which is involved in the mevalonate pathway (also called the HMG-CoA reductase pathway). I’d like to point out here that while statins disrupt the mevalonate pathway to stop cholesterol synthesis, they do not bind to bone surfaces.
Subsequent inhibited steps of the mevalonate pathway result in osteoclasts that lack a ruffled border and are therefore unable to resorb bone. Bone resorption is necessary for new bone deposition, thus forming healthier and “younger” bone. FPPS in turn forms another enzyme, farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). The latter is an important catalyzer for the production of ubiquinone, also recognized as CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10).
In the year 2000, scientists at the Merck Research Laboratories observed the effect of bisphosphonates on laboratory rats, providing the first data of in vivo evidence that these drugs do have an effect on the mevalonate pathway disruption on osteoclast activity. This was published in the Endocrinology Journal, and a few years later, another study was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry authored by Yan Ling and team, confirming that bisphosphonates are “potent inhibitors of FPPS” and that “FPPS catalyzes the synthesis of farnesyl disphosphate (FPP), an important precursor of sterols, dolichols, ubiquinones, and prenylated proteins.”
In short, bisphosphonates interfere with the production of CoQ10 (ubiquinone), resulting in a potential deficiency that could be damaging. That’s because CoQ10 is an essential fat-soluble vitamin-like antioxidant that is present in practically all cell membranes (thus its name ubiquinone), and is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary usable energy form by the cell’s mitochondria – the cell’s “power-house” – needed by the cells to perform their tasks.
CoQ10 has many important functions in the body. Once converted into ubiquinol, it operates as an antioxidant on its own and in synergy with Vitamin E, another very important antioxidant. There are several studies that show other benefits of CoQ10 ranging from positive results on cardiac health and endurance training, cancer, diabetes, periodontal disease, and neurological conditions. Further scientific studies need to be done before definite conclusions can be reached, including data interpretation on blood and tissue levels, but common sense would dictate that low levels of CoQ10 is not a desirable condition for anyone.
One important and still unanswered question is the possible link between a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (irregular and rapid heartbeat) – a debated possible side effect of bisphosphonates – and low levels of CoQ10 caused by the drugs.
The highest concentrations of CoQ10 in the body are found in organs that require the most energy to function properly such as the heart, the lungs, the kidneys, and the liver. Unfortunately, normal ubiquinone production decreases with age and while it is present in some foods – mainly fish, fish oils, organ meats and whole grains – the amounts needed are greater than what can be obtained from those sources. It is estimated that a normal dietary intake of CoQ10 is around 10 mg/day of coenzyme. Also, age seems to be a factor in a decreased capacity of converting ubiquinone into ubiquinol.
So what should you do about this, you might ask? Here are some action steps:
- Since foods have low levels of CoQ10, you should take a daily CoQ10 supplement. This applies even if you are not taking bisphosphonates or statins, and especially if you took them in the past.
- CoQ10 supplements are widely available and come in two forms: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is the most usable and beneficial form of CoQ10. Taking 50 mg. of ubiquinol once a day is an excellent supplemental dosage.
- It’s important you get them in gelatin capsule form. Researchers at the State University Hospital in Copenhagen, who have extensively researched CoQ10, recommend it in a soft gelatin capsule for optimal bioavailability. The same study conducted at the hospital, found that powder and tablet forms of the supplement had practically no effect on increasing its blood levels.
Here’s the best quality and most affordable supplement I recommend and take myself: NSI Ubiquinol CoQH Featuring Kaneka QH™ – 50 mg – 120 Softgels
So there you have it. Now you know a well kept secret about CoQ10 and osteoporosis drugs. And you also know what you can do to benefit from the amazing energy and vitality it offers.
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February 1, 2012
Is Lemon an acid, will it become alkalizing in tap water?
January 2, 2012
I would like to know what you know and think of Fosteum.
December 1, 2011
Sombody can tell me, if Fosamax, Actenol and Boniva are so bad for our health why this medicine are in the market?
December 27, 2011
I have suffered throat damage and I can’t think of a reason for it to be out there.
I believe that the pharmacy companies pay
doctors to push their meds. The government stops all kinds of things, but they let things through that can cause us problems of all kinds. I love the doctors when they state IF YOU DON’T TAKE THIS, YOU WILL FALL BREAK YOUR HIP AND DIE. they really care about us don’t they?
December 1, 2011
I googled the ubiquinol COQ 10 brand NSL that Vivian is using and I have not been able to locate it. Can you please direct me to this company…Thanks.
I have been using ubiquinol but not in gel form…based on the research it appears that it’s time for a change.
Susan
December 1, 2011
Here you go, Susan: NSI Ubiquinol CoQH Featuring Kaneka QH™ – 50 mg – 120 Softgels
December 1, 2011
Sorry for replying prior to checking into nsi one more time. I have located it. Thanks, Susan
December 1, 2011
Thanks, Vivian ~
That is exactly what I googled and did not come up with a company supplying a 50mg softgel…do you have a phone # or address for NSL ? I will try again just in case.
Susan
November 27, 2011
After reading all these comments, I am starting on CoQ10, instead of Evista. Wish me luck. Jeane
November 26, 2011
Thank you Vivian for your book and for this forum. I learn so much from both and am hopeful that I won’t continue to get worse and may even get better. I have been surprised at some of the things I am learning from the book. Sincerely, Lynn
November 12, 2011
Re CoQ10 – I am a vegetarian and avoid gelatin – is there a vegetarian capsule available. I have read that parsley and advocado are good sources of CoQ10.
thanks
November 1, 2011
I wonder how large the Vitacost gel tabs are. I have trouble swallowing sizable pills, and end up throwing away so many product I buy in pill form. Someone mentioned the Q Sorb, and wonder how big those are in comparison. Vivian, you mentioned gel tabs were the optimal form of this enzyme, but another person here mentioned NuNatural’s brand Liquid CoQ10, and I take a liquid calcium supplement, so would it be a waste of money to try the liquid form? You are so very helpful, many thanks.
November 1, 2011
Hi Vivian,
Always enjoy your articles. I have recently been told I have 6 Per Cent osteopenia in my left hip. My GYN has put me on caltrate supplements (twice a day) along with one Vitamin D capsule. I have no problem taking them except Constipation! Help! What can I do besides not taking the supplements.
Thanks for your help!
Maryanne Dees
November 26, 2011
Hi Maryanne. I find that an extra probiotic in capsule form or in a yogurt (I like almond yogurt.) and also one or two extra Magnesium tablets or capsules will do the trick. If it is really serious, don’t try to solve it from the top. Use a Fleets enema to break things loose at the lower end where the dry packed stool is then try to take an extra mag and/or probiotic each day. Lots and lots of water all day long is my biggest help. There are not side effects to taking these unless you go past your tolerance then you might get some diarrhea. You’ll find you level of best use. Hopefully, Lynn
October 30, 2011
Dear Dr. Goldschmidt:
The information and insight from your personal life’s work and recent studies on healthful ways to treat Osteoporosis has truly been
of great benefit to me. I am grateful for your making me a better “informed steward” for my body.
I applaud and am working to apply your “44 Bone
Health Do’s And Dont’s to my daily and weekly routine.
With gratitude,
Linda
October 8, 2011
Vivian thanks for your information on CoQ10. I was just about the call the compounding pharmacy about this. My doctor was recommending 150 mgs. I took your list to him and he made some other doses higher for other minerals. This may represent differences in US and Australia. Or it may be because he has done extensive blood work on me. Kind Regards, Carolyn
September 2, 2011
Vivian, it would be enlightening if you would publish citations for the studies, such as the Merck study of 2000, that you mention. I for one would appreciate it.
Thank you for the research that you do.
-jackie-
August 9, 2011
three specialists have urged me to go on reclast due to a few pelvic fractures from a fall, low vit D levels(30) and postmenopausal osteoporosis.I don’t want tostart the infusion and wonder what my options might be to increase bone density?
October 3, 2011
please do not take reclast—possible kidney problems—use the SAVE OUR BONES PROGRAM–DRUGS-ARE NOT THE ANSWER
August 1, 2011
I would like to know what your thoughts are on the Kangan, Jupiter and Life Water Filtration Systems. My neighbor has purchased the Kangan system and is well pleased with its performance. I have researched these systems, but am still not sure which is the best for my money. Thank you.
July 30, 2011
This is the first time I have read these comments. A lot of info. I have a thyroid condition also and take synthroid. I didn’t realize that it was taking calcium out of my bones. I have read the pig hormone will allow my body to continue attacking itself. Is this true. They have not gotten my thyroid to stabilize. It has been pretty bad. I have been diagnosed with osteopenia. My doctor wants me to have another dexa scan and so far I haven’t had it done. I want to keep doing what is good for my bones so it will show better results. I am going to try the CoQ10. I am presently taking something that will allow my body to absorb the calcium that I do get in my foods. I haven’t found a calcium that I like. Thank you for all your info.
November 26, 2011
Please google “Hashimoto’s” on the internet and read all you can from different sources. It is very enlightening about the up’s and down’s of the thyroid issue. Also look up the Raw Food Diet and see what you think about adding more dark leafy greens into shakes and smoothies to get a good bioavailable type of calcium. I am diagnosed with a very advanced Osteoporosis and have been doing it since the end of June. I love it and glad because I need to fix this thing. I have Vivian’s Book and she tells you in there which foods are alkalizing, which is really important and which have good minerals etc. I will know how it all is doing when I have my next Dexa scan. Hopefully I’m getting stronger. Wishing you well. Lynn
July 26, 2011
My GP put me on weekly Alendronic acid about 6 weeks ago. I read the indications after I had taken the first one. It says that 1 in 10 people willl get constipation/diaorrhea. Having had about 30 sessions of radio therapy last year because of cervical cancer you can just imagine that I am the tenth person. And yea I am. It played havoc with my bowel giving me C and D! I ended up in A & E with a bladder infection due to constipation after just one AA dose. I stopped taking it for 3 weeks and started again. But the same started to happen again so I have stopped. I have also had some stomach pain which I never usually suffer from. My bowel is permanently damaged by radio therapy. The last thing I need is more punishment so I will take my chance and dump the AA.
July 24, 2011
Yes, I like the article particularly because you give the science on why we should not take osteoporsis drugs. I have a friend who is coming up 70 wo has been treated for the last 10 years with all of the osteo drugs, and they have not helped her. She recently had a mild car accident and now has five compression frantures in her back. This was a wake-up call for me to stay with your Save Your B program.
July 25, 2011
I’m so sorry that your friend appears to be yet another victim of these insidious drugs, Sue. But you’re right – it’s certainly a wake-up call and a great reminder that drugs, far from being the answer, often make things worse.
July 24, 2011
i take caltrate 2000mg daily i got off boniva. am ready too take another bone denisty test. please advise
July 22, 2011
Hello Vivian , Thank you for the article on
co-Q10. I am slightly ahead of you with this.
I have been taking C0-Q10, 120 mg for some time now.
Q-Sorb, is a natural, highly bioavailable form of CO-Q10 identical to that found in the body. The unique formulation enrobes the key nutrients with antioxidants ensuring potency and purity. Finally Q-Sorb is hermetically sealed in rapid realease softgels providing superior absorption.
Thank you for your comments on this subject
Dawson Ross
July 14, 2011
Thanks once again for more infor. I just started taking CoQ10. I also just bought 100% Whey protein to start using in the mornings in some organic almond non dairy before I go swim & take a straightening class & Zoomba class. I add a frozen banana & a few strawberries in it as well. What do you think of the Whey product??
Marsha
July 17, 2011
Whey protein is highly alkalizing, and a great addition to your smoothies.
July 3, 2011
Tell everyone to get off actonel and fosamax..I ended up with Gerd because of it and IF YOU WEAR DENTURES…you have a very high chance of getting osteocrenosis….I did. I am furious that my osteo specialist did not inform me of these things. My pharmacist was more informative than any of the doctors I questioned.
November 26, 2011
I took Actonel for years after it first came out. I developed jaw necrosis and serious Gerd for which I was given an equally bad drug that was really hard to get off. I now have Vivian’s book and am eating it up. I am on a raw vegan diet, so am getting a lot more green leafy vegis and other recommended fruits and vegi’s I am learning a lot and have can’t go back, so am sure I will get some better. Not taking drugs will give me a better chance to get some bone repair. All the best, Lynn
October 8, 2011
Hi there, my specialist also prescribed Actonel not informing me of these kinds of side effects. I ended up not taking it as my friend told me about Vivienne’s program. Thanks for your sharing. Carolyn
June 13, 2011
I have tried to unscribe by calling the telephone number provided. Like many other health food websites, stopping the advertisements, the spam sent out as a blast, is difficult. Please stop sending me information about bones or anything else. And getting rid of your promotions should not be made so difficult. mandy
May 21, 2011
I cannot begin to thank you for all your good work. You have changed wakeful tears in the night into direct action each of us can take at least three times a day (meals), plus exercise. This additional information is over and above, and another generous gift to all of us. Thank you so very much.
May 12, 2011
Where can I find NSI Ubiquinol C0QH featruing Kaneka QH 50 mg-120 sofgels? Thank you for a response. I read the e-mails daily and have osteoporosis
Roberta
November 29, 2011
You can get Ubiquinol COQH featuring Kaneka QH50 from, Swanson Health Products, page 14
to get a catolog send to Swanson Health Poducts
PO Box6005
Fargo ND 58108-6003
or go to Website. http://www.swansonvitamins.com
May 5, 2011
I was diagnosed recently with osteoporosis in Lumbar 3+4 and in my hip. I am 50, extremely active and exercise 5-6 days a week including weight lifting. Can you advice which exercises I should avoid and what I can continue for my abs? I’ve exercised consistently for the last 15 years.
Love your information and refuse to take the drugs!
April 28, 2011
Thank you for your book I have been trying the 80/20 plan.. It is sooo good not to take prescription osteo meds.. Thank you
April 20, 2011
Hi ! As an ethical vegan I don’t use any animal-sourced drugs,foods or supplements. I’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis but am not taking any of the prescibed “medicines”.
Thanks to YOU – Vivian, I now regularly eat
red grapefruits, broccoli and pumkinseeds.
I take Vegatarian B-12, D3, and MSM.
Is there any alternative to CoQ10 ?
Thanks again, Best Wishes,
Ruth Sheffi (72)
April 21, 2011
Hi Ruth,
Coq10 is a unique and important nutrient, but you should easily be able to find vegetarian coq10 products. The richest vegetarian food sources of coq10 are spinach, broccoli, peanuts, wheat germ & whole grains.
April 8, 2011
I had an adverse reaction to all three bone meds…
April 3, 2011
sounds like rel good advice to everyone who has taken the drugs.Evista was perscribe for me at my last visit. After researching found too many leg cramp issues….
March 5, 2011
I am now taking caltrate – 2 pills a day plus centrum. I hope that will help me with the bone loss. I have not as yet tried the CO Q10. I had better check on that. Thanks.
March 2, 2011
I started taking Evista thinking it was much safer than the other drugs. After one pill I started to have some cramps in my legs. After two pills I had terrible cramps all night in my legs and started to feel heartburn. Which I have not had in years. Day three. I stopped them. Day four, the chest pain was so bad I ended up in the emergency room. While I was there, I went into tachycardia and was admitted. All heart tests were normal. I am home now and realize that the small hiatal hernia I was diagnosed with years ago was most likely flaring up because of this awful drug. My leg pain is almost gone after being off the drug for six days. What a nightmare. I am just starting to feel a little better. I am also realizing that many women are having the same side effects with Evista , yet, you never hear of it. Please pass this on.
July 22, 2011
I have been taking Evista for several years with none of the side effects in your article. I would like to know what you advise rather than Evista…
February 26, 2011
I left a comment asking a question and now I see its been taken off the post want to explain why?
February 26, 2011
I’ve been on Actonel since 2003 along with vit D. they tell me when I get a bone density test they can see thru my spine. if the drug is supposed to be good for you it should be thicker not less. My doctor said to keep taking it because i won’t get the hump on my back. I’m 76 now. I read in these article it takes 10 yr to get better. There should be something that would be better..
July 3, 2011
get off the actonel…use strontium instead. It is better for osteoclasts which help build bones. Look into biometrics.
November 26, 2011
What is Strontium?
February 24, 2011
Is Nature’s Bounty CoQ-10 made from ubiquinol? The bottle just lists a trade mark called Q-Sorb.
June 7, 2011
A great CoQ10 supplement is NuNatural’s brand Liquid CoQ10. All you have to do is squirt it on top of a food with healthy fat and eat. I prefer peanut butter, or any other nut butter (not soy).
January 19, 2011
Will the CoQ10 (ubiquinol) counter the ongoing loss that I might have because of my Reclast infusion Nov, 2010?
January 14, 2011
Been a few months since I have rec. any E- Mails.?Notice a lot of us also have low Thyroid.I refused to take any more Synroid due to side effects .My research led me to Dr. Brownstein Bought his book Overcoming Thyroid Disorders & his newsletter. Am now on a natural hormone . What a difference. Thanks Vivian for all your research.Another former nurse.Never did trust Big Pharma . All about the money!!
Marilyn, Canada
January 5, 2011
Shall I continue to take my boniva if I take the CQ010, plus 1000 D and 1200 of calcium.
December 30, 2010
I am one of the unfortunate ones who took Fosamax for many, many years and have now ended up with digestive problems.
Other than following your programme, is there anything else I should be doing?
Is there a way of reversing these problems?
November 17, 2010
I have received your book and find it very useful!
Also the many e-mails are very welcome.
I am taking propafenone hydrochloride 3x a day (@150mg)because 7 years ago I had (during a period of 3 months )several times atrial fibrilation .
I am still taking the tablets (although originally they wanted me to take 2x 300 mg,but I reduced it to the lowe dose for hate taking tablets .Out of the blue suddenly last april I had another day of A.F.(yet my heart is perfectly healthy)
aGAIN I WAS RECOMMENDED TO TAKE 2X 300 MG , but appart from sometimes a few ectopic beats ,I have been fine ,so i reduced the dose again to 3x 150 and I’m not very happy even about taking that for I’m worried it could have an effect on my bones .I just have been diagnosed with osteoporosis (spine _3.2, hips _2.7 ) I ‘ll definitely going to follow the diet you suggest ,but could you please let me know if my medication can affect my bones .
I hope you’ll answer .thank you !
ria gibson
November 16, 2010
evening. All my life I have been very active and healthy. I have 4 children with very little intervention but the pain in my foot is worse than having Hi there
I had multiple stress fractures to my right foot one year ago and have been diagnosed with RSD. Bone scan has revealed that I have osteporosis in my neck , spine and right arm. I have been prescribed EVISTA to attempt to help my bones. I also take MICARDIS for hyper tension that has also developed this year since my injury. I also take an ENDEP each a baby when I have a flare up. I have a good DR but would be interested in comments from you great people out there.
Thank you all
November 15, 2010
Interesting story about CoQ10 … I have Fibromyalgia (& Osteoporosis although have NOT taken medication for it for 3 years) and began taking CoQ10 … I slowly began to feel much better, particularly the fatigue aspect & was delighted, HOWEVER, my eyes, that have always been light sensitive to a degree, became EXTREMELY light sensitive resulting in frequent migraines & I had to stop the CoQ10. My eyes eventually went back to normal (for me) but I was very disappointed that I could not continue with the CoQ10 as I felt so much better in myself (except for the eyes).
November 14, 2010
I have taken Lipitor for many years. Probably since it first came out. I had open heart surgery in 2002. I have a family history I guess. I am not over weight. Walk lots, line dance and do exercises every day. Always have. Took gym in high school and have stayed with it. Now I have ordered 2 jars of Ubiquinol 50 to start with. I have heard before from people that I should be taking it. Do you think it will hurt me or stop Lipitor from working at all. It is kind of scary to face more heart trouble, but my knees are now beginning to hurt bad, and my arms are already gone so I need something. I am on your program. Marian
November 14, 2010
I love reading your emails.I have learned so much from them. I do however have a question and am hoping you have the time to respond. since my thyroid surgery in 1992 I have been taking a calcium supplement and so far no problems with my bones. I understand that with all of the controversy about calcium supplements. The supplement that I take is calcium in the form of Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite. I have tried to find info on that form and if it also can cause the condition that causes heart attacks? Any info yo might want to share I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks for your dedication and all info I get in your emails.
November 10, 2010
After reading all the comments on this page, I am totaly convinced I have the right person guiding me, thank you Vivian,
A year from now, I’ll be dancing again.
November 10, 2010
That’s wonderful to hear, Paul! Save a dance for me.
November 10, 2010
Thank you Vivian or Jan, (I don’t know who answers your mail)As for your latest mail to me, re- the “Ubiquinol” mail, I definately will
get it this week.
I would like your feedback on the “Leafsourse”
article I sent,(if you have the time)personnaly I don’t know here you find the time,
watched your excerise video,you are active lady! Thanks again, Paul.you too Jan.
November 1, 2010
I was on fosamax for 5 yrs. Started after a kidney transplant. Have severe osteoporoses;osteo arthritis; degenerative bone disease. I stopped taking fosamax bdfore I went in for a complete knee replacement in Sept 2010. My doctor is very unhappy with me. She is sending me to an endocrinologist. I will not go back on these drugs. My orthopedic surgeon said after surgery that I had terrible bones. Reason for replacement-Bad fracture 11 years ago after fallin a couple of feet off a ladder.
Will try CoQ10. Had a gastroscopy which shows my oesophagus is tortuous. Before I stopped the fosamax I could barely swallow. It is some better now. Biggest problem now is pain control for my back.
November 1, 2010
all excellent research – makes sense – esp. CoQ10 info. And thank you for your very helpful work and spreading your good news. Bo.
October 31, 2010
Hi Vivian
I have been taking Protos for nearly 12 months as a compression fracture was found in my spine nearly 12 months ago. i do regular exercise especially for my upper back but am too scared at the moment to stop taking it. I have another bone density test in 2 months time and will then reaccess the situation.
October 26, 2010
Thank you so much for your research on Ubiquinol. I do take the CoQ10 Ubiquinol form and I find that it helps
me with my energy as well as my heart.I have a bad murmur and arrhythmia. My bones thank you for all your
kind information.
October 26, 2010
Thank you for the information about Actonel and Aclasta. I took Actonel for several years and developed acid reflux. I stopped the medication for a while, then discussed the problem with my doctor. She recommended Aclasta infusion, which I had about a month ago. A friend of mine referred you to me and I have read some of your material. Of course, now I am sorry that I ever had the infusion. At present, I have the worst case of cold sores that I have ever had and don’t know if the drug has somehow interfered with my immune system. Do you know anything about that?
In the meantime, will the Aclasta stop having its effect on my body after a year?
Thanks for your interest.
October 19, 2010
Hi Vivian;
I like it when you mention common sense.
I stopped taking Fosamax 8 months ago when
the story was on the news that some women’s
legs broke for no apparent reason other
than taking the ‘bone’ drugs for about ten
years.
Since then I found your website and am on
the same common sense wave-length as you.
‘so long from Canada. Louise