It’s a new year, but sadly, for those being treated with osteoporosis drugs, it’s the same old story. Just as we welcome in 2018, more research has been released that confirms what Savers have known for years. Drugs like Fosamax, Boniva, and Zometa (to name a few) that are being marketed and prescribed to millions of people to treat osteoporosis wreak havoc on bones.
Ironically, as more studies are conducted demonstrating the dangers of treating osteoporosis with drug therapy, the sale of bisphosphonates continues to rise. In fact, the global osteoporosis drug market is expected to be valued at $8.9 billion by the year 2020.
The Save Institute will continue to uncover the scientific truth and present it, as we are doing today. Read on to learn the latest news: that the same drugs used to reverse bone loss actually cause mineralization of bone cells, thus worsening bone quality.
Researchers Make New Discovery When Evaluating Bisphosphonate-Exposed Bones
Working in collaboration with scientists from Canada, Swedish researchers have made an incredible discovery examining bone biopsies from patients who have been treated with bisphosphonates.1
Using a specialized technique called “advanced nano-analytical electron microscopy,” the scientists were able to examine bisphosphonate-exposed human bone. What was found in the bone was shocking. Instead of ordinary bone mineral filling the cavities, as was the case with the healthy controls, large magnesium whitlockite crystals were visualized within the bone cavity. Whitlockite is an unusual form of calcium phosphate, found in rock deposits, chondrite meteorites, and caves.
In the words of the lead investigator, Dr. Furqan Shah:
“The crystals are not normal. Even though there are hundreds of them in every cell, they are very large under these circumstances. In other words, they might have grown extraordinarily slowly in the cavities.”
While the anomalous mineralization is a problem in and of itself, the large, hard, and more-chemically stable crystals impede the development and rejuvenation of new bone tissue, which leads to the deterioration of the quality of bone. In other words, this discovery further confirms the already known fact that bisphosphonates disrupt bone remodeling.
In a bold statement against these commonly prescribed, yet dangerous drugs, study investigator, and Associate Professor Anders Palmquist goes on to say:
“We have found a piece of the puzzle that may help us better understand the mechanisms that influence bone quality and adverse effects of medication.”
How Osteocytes Function In Bone
To better understand why this study is so important, let’s take a closer look at the role of the osteocyte, the most commonly found cell in mature bone tissue. The adult human body has approximately 42 billion osteocytes.2 Osteocytes are derived from osteoblasts, the cells responsible for new bone deposition. As osteoblasts navigate the bone matrix, they get “stuck” in the tissue and turn into osteocytes, thus creating new bone growth or repair.
Osteocytes are not isolated cells, but rather they send out long branches that connect to other osteocytes. More specifically, osteocytes remain in contact with one another and with cells on the bone surface via cell processes passing through the matrix across small channels called the canaliculi. The latter connect the lacunae where each osteocyte resides with each other and with the outside world.3
Osteocytes naturally die as a consequence of senescence, degeneration, necrosis, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and/or osteoclastic engulfment. The percentage of dead osteocytes in bone increases with age from less than 1% at birth to 75% after age 80.4
Equally important are osteoclasts, the multinuclear bone-reabsorbing cells. Osteoclasts produce and secrete digestive enzymes that break up and dissolve bone tissue, absorbing the bone and breaking it down further inside the cell. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts are continually working in conjunction to maintain healthy bone turnover.
Now that you understand the bone remodeling process, it’s easy to see why this study is so alarming! With large crystals present in bisphosphonate-treated bone, the natural function of osteocytes is impeded, resulting in weakened bones. The very process that the drugs are meant to heal actually creates more harm. What’s even more concerning is that the crystals mimic bone in terms of quantity, thus making DXA scan readings irrelevant, as bone quantity does not equal bone strength and quality.
The Data Speaks for Itself: Osteoporosis Medications Are Both Dangerous and Ineffective
It seems that we are presenting new research illustrating the dangers of osteoporosis drugs on a regular basis. For example, it wasn’t that long ago that we wrote about a study demonstrating that bisphosphonates cause microcracks that weaken the bones. We also recently shared information about these same drugs causing atypical fractures.
The harm of bisphosphonates doesn’t stop at the bone. They have been shown to double the risk of esophageal cancer, double the risk of vision loss, and cause a painful condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. To make matters worse, studies have proven these drugs to be completely ineffective!
The Good News: You Don’t Need Drugs To Build Your Bones
Savers know that medications to build bones and keep them healthy and strong simply don’t exist. Unfortunately, our society has been sold on quick fixes and elaborate lies from the Medical Establishment and Big Pharma. After all, how would Big Pharma make up the close to $9 billion loss that would occur if individuals were educated about a natural way to stop or reverse bone loss?
While I can’t single-handedly change the medical industry, I created the Osteoporosis Reversal Program to do my part. The Program is evidence-based, effective, and most importantly, safe.
Stop Worrying About Your Bone Loss
Join thousands of Savers from around the world who have reversed or prevented their bone loss naturally and scientifically with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
Till next time,
References:
1 Shah FA, Lee BE, Tedesco J, Wexell CL, Persson C, Thomsen P, Grandfield K, Palmquist A. “Micrometer-Sized Magnesium Whitlockite Crystals in Micropetrosis of Bisphosphonate-Exposed Human Alveolar Bone”. Nano Letters. 2017. 17 (10): 6210-6216. Web: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b02888
2 Buenzli, PR. Sims NA. “Quantifying the osteocyte network in the human skeleton”. Bone. 2015. 75: 144–150. Web: https://www.thebonejournal.com/article/S8756-3282(15)00061-7/fulltext
3 Aarden EM, Burger EH, Nijweide PJ. “Function of osteocytes in Bone” J Cell Biochem. 1994. 55(3):287-99. Web: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7962159
4 Tomkinson A. Reeve J. Shaw RW. Noble BS. “The death of osteocytes via apoptosis accompanies estrogen withdrawal in human bone”. 1997. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 82 (9): 3128–3135.
You May Also Like These Related Articles:
Five Signs You Need To Find A New Doctor
Fewer People Using Drugs To Treat Osteoporosis
Save Our Bones Bulletin: Rising Atypical Fracture Risk From Bisphosphonates, Soft Drinks Proven To Cause Fractures, Social Stress Linked To Low Bone DensityComments on this article are closed.
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Thinking of buying the book but many sites stress the importance of weight bearing exercises. I’m in a wheelchair and need to know if this exercise section will include those in wheelchairs too. I’ve looked and can’t find where to get help to help myself.
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To: Vivian Goldschmidt, MA,
My mom is 82 and was just diagnosed as being a prime candidate for a hip fracture. A specialist recommended Reclast and booked an appointment for my mother. I did some internet searches and was concerned by some of the information about Reclast in terms of side effects, efficacy and possible damage. I had my mother cancel the appointment until we could gather more information and consult with her primary care doctor. In the meantime, it’s hard to know exactly which information to believe online. And we are concerned that one fall could have debilitating consequences for my mother. Is there anything you can advise about Reclast or alternatives? Is Reclast really that bad? I read the comments in some sections on this site and some women express mild to no side effects and good results from Reclast while others have worse experiences. I know the final decision rests with the person or patient but I’d appreciate whatever guidance you can offer. Thank you in advance. -
HERBAL REMEDY
My mother-in-law aged 83 was suffering from osteoporosis for several years and was under treatment but no cure. She have broken my neck once and back 5 times and also experienced constant pain in her shoulders, back and limbs. A friend introduced me to Best Health Herbal Centre, she told me Best Health Herbal Centre osteoporosis herbal remedy reversed her mother’s osteoporosis within 5 weeks, Now she is osteoporosis free. January this year i purchased osteoporosis herbal remedy for my mother-in-law, she only used it for 5 weeks, her osteoporosis was totally reversed. All thanks to Best health Herbal Centre for saving my mother-in-law life. visit their website for more information ww w .besthealthherbalcentre. com.-
The best health herbal center does not seem to post prices on the site so how does one order the products?
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I dont understand why bishposphonates are used in sarcoma treatment?
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What about actonel? I stopped taking it after 2 years .
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Do you have a full list of all biophosphonates? If so, could you please send a copy to me?
Thanks,
Billye -
I have been taking Osatate as my calcium, it was suggested by my chiropractor, do you have any information on this supplement?
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Thank you Vivian for all the information I receive. It is so interesting having this knowledge of the latest information about drugs etc.. I also enjoy doing the exercises.
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Hi Monique,
Thank you for your purchase! We’re sorry for any misunderstanding – all of our books are digitally delivered to your inbox as PDF files. Please check your inbox for your links; we will be glad to re-send them. 🙂
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I love your product, TrueOsteo. I was going to order and hoping to get 30% off but I tried three times and it wouldn’t take the code. It said it was invalid. I would appreciate your looking into this matter for me.
Thank you very much, -
I have been gradually reducing my meat consumption and plan to go vegetarian then vegan. Will my bones stay healthy? I get plenty of exercise, drink plenty of water, and maintain a healthy weight. Thanks.
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Thanks, Vivian for this article. Here’s my take after reading about the bad affect of those bone drugs. The addition of mineral crystals that combine with bone makes a sort of ‘hybrid bone’ or a ‘bone alloy’. Whatever you call it, it is definitely not strong and healthy bone. It’s only a blend that contains some bone.
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That’s a relevant analysis, Debbie. And you’re right – it’s not strong and healthy bone!
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So many times a great question is asked and the answer given is to check their mail box. Why can’t we see the answer also? This always bothers me, please I would like the answers too.
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Hi Gayle,
The reason that happens sometimes is because the comment section is intended for discussions related to the blog topic. Of course, we understand that you may have questions and concerns that don’t pertain to the topic at hand! So we suggest you send those queries directly to Customer Support. 🙂
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Hi, i am an epelptic therefore have falls on my back i had the zolenrance infusion back in June I’m taking vit D3 & calcium with magnesia all herbal. I have taken fosamax and other bisphosphonates for about 10 yrs. then refused to any bisphonates
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What are your feelings on Evista?
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Hi Rhonda,
Evista is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). You can read more about the Save Institutes take on it here:
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What about taking calcium citrate and vitamin D3 I have taken both if these for years and each bone density test every 3 years has shown my bones to be worse than the last test I took Fosamax for almost 10 years while taking the above mentioned until my doctor finally said “oh are you still taking that your not supposed to take it for more than 7 years”, he kept filling the prescription, he took me off it but kept me on the calcium and D3 I will be going to a new doctor soon for a physical so will see what she says. I would like to order the books to help me understand what i can do to improve my bones but from other times i have ordered books i end up not being able to download them and have just thrown my money away. I need a book that i can :hold” in my hand. Thank you in advance for any comments.
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I am glad you’re off the Fosamax now, Jo Ann. And if you do decide to place an order for one of our ebooks, you are welcome to print off any or all of it, or have it done at an office supply store. 🙂
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Hello Vivian,
If bones have been damaged by taking biphosphonates, how can this be reversed?
Eileen
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Good question, Eileen! The half-life of bisphosphonates is approximately 10 years, meaning that it takes 10 years for the body to get rid of half of the drug that attached itself to bone. As you know, these drugs stop normal bone metabolism and remodeling, but as it gets released and less is attached to bone, normal bone remodeling resumes at one point. As to when this happens, it varies with each individual. According to a Harvard Medical School study, pre-drug bone metabolism is restored to “normal” levels in an average of five (5) years.
You can read more about stopping bisphosphonates and the Harvard study at this link:
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I have been on Prolia for the past 2 years & my doctor told me not to get off of it because I would be more apt to fall & break a bone. Comment on this. Thanks.
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Hi Dolores,
The Save Institute’s stance on taking any drug is that you are in control of whether or not you take it or continue to take it. If you wish to discontinue Prolia, then make sure to do your research, learn as much as you can about going off of it, and then you decide how to proceed.
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Hi Vivian,
I’ve been taking TrueOsteo for a few years. Last night I came across this review of the product and wondered what your thought are on this. They seem to indicate that Bonexcin is a better product. What do you think? I do value your opinion.
https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/bone-support-reviews/trueosteo.html
Maryann
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I was wondering too whether Bonexcin was a better product to take than true-osteo the write up seems excellent. Any thoughts on this?
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Maryann, please check your inbox for a message from Customer Support. 🙂
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Yes I have just read the article as well on Bonexcin but it says it has Calcium Phosphate in, is this the same Calcium Phosphate written about in The Save Our Bones book which doesn’t dissolve just collects in the arteries. This is not the dissolvable Organic Calcium that we need is it? would like to know as well. England
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Just adding to my comment I would thoroughly recommend The SAVE OUR BONES BOOK.
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Why are the doctors pushing bisphosphonates so hard? They KNOW these are deadly drugs (they even TELL you the side effects). Is there some kind of kick back with big .pharma? These Drs know what is going on here…
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Sadly, Ellen, most doctors repeat what they are taught in medical school. Basically, the Medical Establishment treats “diseases” mostly with pharmaceutical drugs, without dealing with the root cause of health conditions. A very sad situation, indeed!
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Hi, i am an epelptic therefore have falls on my back i had the zolenrance infusion back in June I’m taking vit D3 & calcium with magnesia all herbal. I have taken fosamax and other bisphosphonates for about 10 yrs. then refused to any bisphosphonates 3yrs ago. I hate taking any prescribed drugs unfortunately i have to take epelptic meds which i know is damaging my body
I suffer from osterporis & arthrits.-
Me again I don’t want to continue
With the zolerance infusion-
Do you mean zolendronate, Anne? Zolendronate is a bisphosphonate, so the information on bisphosphonates in the above article would apply to it as well. As I have mentioned to others in the comments today, the choice is yours as to whether you decide to continue the infusion. Research and get as informed as you possibly can (which it looks like you’re doing already!), and then you decide.
You can read more about zolendronate here:
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Thank you Vivian for all your support. You always give me the confidence to stay natural and not give in to taking unnecessary medications. I live a healthy life and work out at the gym 4 days a week. Thanks again for all your support.
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Confidence is so important, Paulette. I am glad I could help in some way, but ultimately, you should thank yourself for taking charge of your own bone health and implementing what you’ve discovered. 🙂 Keep it up!
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What about people who have multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that attacks the bones. Will your program help them?
Looking for an alternative to infusions of zometa.
Thank you.
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I have been taking TrueOsteo for years. Two words…..it works!!!
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Good to hear, Deborah!
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What side effects does “Denosumab” display?
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Hi Kathleen,
You can read any of our many articles on denosumab (Prolia) on this site – here is a link to get you started:
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I’m so glad to get the latest news from you! I’ve been doing other research too and the stuff I’ve been reading has changed from just a few months ago. More and more research is showing what you’ve been saying all along. I have to go to a new orthopedist now ,since my old one told me ” there’s nothing else I can do for you “! What does that mean exactly? It’s like being given a death sentence! I refuse to take any of these drugs,no matter how many Drs say ” it’s too late for that, or that’s not enough ” I’ll keep working on my bones the natural way. Thank you Vivian, for all the support and truth behind these drugs. I keep all of them, and won’t hesitate to show them to Drs who don’t know what they’re talking about. I was even told to ask my PHARMACIST about drug interactions because evidently Drs don’t pay attention to that either! Thanks again for all your help, and the Save Our Bones program!
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Virginia, when a doctor says “there’s nothing else I can do for you,” I take that as good news! It means the Medical Establishment has nothing more to offer, and that can be very freeing for you as you explore the non-medical (but scientifically proven) alternatives to bettering your bone health.
It’s Savers like you that inspire me to keep researching and sharing the truth!
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Thanks for the info. that bone building drugs will be out of our systems in 5-10 yrs. I took Fosamax for 4 years but it has been more than 10 years ago. Good to know that our mistakes can be reversed. Don’t forget the importance of vitamin K2.
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Hello ,
I am a make up artist and always my hands is with different type of foundations, color and all kinds of colors .and i think the chemicals maybe its a cause of my osteoporosis.does make up has bisphosphonates In it ?