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…
Bisphosphonates can be cataloged as nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous; the former is 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 diphosphate (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 are 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 100mg 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.
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.
I am a 58 yr old female 5,2 ” and weigh 155 pounds. I have been active with weigh training since I turned 40 yrs old . I excercise on a regular basis 3 -4times a week. I was diagnosed at 48 yrs old with osteoporosis ( onset of menopause) with a bone density of a 60 yr old. I was then told to take Fosamax which I was on for a couple of months and then decided I was not going to take it . A couple of years later the doctor recommended Boniva and I was probably on it for a yr and then Reclast for another year . Bone density stayed the same through all these drugs. In the meantime 2yrs ago I fracture my right hip in 2 places, without any fall. At that time, my doctor suggested the Prolia shot every 6 months to see if this would improve my bone density . I had about 3 Prolia shots and I stopped it. For the past 2 yrs I have been concentrating on strength training and my bone density has improved. She is now asking me to go on Crestor for my high cholesterol . I am wondering what I can do now to improve on my bad cholesterol . Total Cholesterol is 262 with LDL168 – HDL 82 Triglycerides 58. any help would be appreciated. Thanks for the great information you provide .
Avoid all statins and investigate natural means. Statins can cause severe muscle problems. I know a friend who is wheelchair bound because of statins. Check out Dr. John Whitaker’s site. Your doc sounds like a pill pusher.
Fantastically fantastic bless you, It is my impression your trusty followers may well want more information like this keep up the terrific effort.
I haven’t received your messages lately and would like to be added to your list again.
Dear Gloria,
To make sure you receive Vivian’s e-mails again, just sign up at this link:
https://saveourbones.com/get-updates/
Thank you for your interest!
Dear Vivian,
I have just purchased your program. It is extremely informative. I am on a statin (Crestor) due to the family history of heart problems.
Do you recommend staying off the statins for a while whilst helping the bones to recover. I also take the CoQ10.
Thank you for sending me the book via email, I am still reading it and trying to understand all. I have decided to stop taking boniva, I have taken it for ten months and am not feeling very well, I started because I broke my hip, can you give me any idea how long it will take to feel better? I also would like you to help me, what are the most important things I can do to help my bones. Please help me . Thanks so much
Chris, welcome! I am so sorry you are not feeling well after taking Boniva, but you are in the right place. 🙂 How long it takes you to feel better is highly individualized, so it’s impossible to answer for sure. But there are certainly some things you can do to help yourself recover from the side effects of Boniva! Have you looked into Rapid Cleanse? It’s a 7-day cleanse designed to help your body get rid of osteoporosis medications. I encourage you to take a look!
https://saveourbones.com/rapid-cleanse/
If you haven’t already, please download your free report, the Natural Bone Building Handbook – it’s a great way to get started. 🙂
Good for you for being proactive about your bone health!
HI, Very interesting, is there a way to get a list of sources for this information?
I can’t wait to get my Osteoporosis Reversal Program, and start reading and fallowing all your advices. How long do I have to wait to get them?
I have 2 inmune diseases plus a severe osteporosis, and more health problems. I was taking Fosemax, Actonel and Forteo inyections for 2 years, any of these medications helped me. Dr. want to put me in Reclax infusion once a year I think so. I refused after reading of the side effects.
I hope to heard from you soon.
Sincerely Shirley
Shirley, that’s wonderful that you’re excited about the program! Feel free to share your experiences with the community. Good for you for taking your health into your own hands!
Thank you for all your good information.
Thank you once again for your wonderful knowledge
Margaret ( England )
Thank you for the article regarding CoQ10. I take BioActive Q10 Ubiquinol 100mg, one gel capsule 3 times a day because I am taking statin drug,so to balance it,I take this regularly without fail.
There is a company here in Uk that does regular 30 days Auto shipment,if anyone from Uk is interested contact Agora Health UK
Does CoQ10 come in vegiecaps? I cannot have gelatin softgels.
Good Job. Thank you for doing such a good job. I will definitely return again to see what’s new and inform my coworkers about this website
hello there and thank you in your information ? I’ve certainly picked up something new from proper here. I did then again expertise a few technical points the usage of this site, since I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I were thinking about in case your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, however slow loading instances instances will sometimes have an effect on your placement in google and could damage your high quality rating if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and could glance out for much more of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you update this again soon..
Dear Vivian: Thank you for the article on CO-Q10 (Accel).I have been taking for some time now. Is fantastic!.I am grateful for making me a better informed with all your knowledge.Blessing. Herminia
I would like to know if CoQ10 is strictly a chemist line or is it also available from health food stores?
I would like to know if CoQ10 is strictly a chemist line or is it also obtainable from health food stores?
This was a fascinating article. I will need to reread it. How informative to find out that it Fosamax etc. interferes with CO-Q 10. CO-Q 10 is sooo important. If I ever visit Florida I want to visit you Vivian.
Is your Densercise book still on sale? I walk border collies about an hour a day but I worry about my wrists and neck area. I am overweight-190 pounds and I am 5′!0″ and due to the fact I walk alot my doc never thought I needed a bone scan. Should I get one anyway?
Hi Vivian..what devestating news..I have just given up Actonil after 6 years and recently…before I gave up Actonil, I started having heart fibrillations so am now on Sotalol (Solavert) to slow down my heart rate and I feel awful…sleepy, unenthusiastic, dry mouth etc…do you think my heart will return to normal now I’m off Actonil or is it too late?
Lowana.
Dear Vivian,
Thanks for this information about CoQ10 Ubiquinol. Without help from a person like you who is guiding us in the right direction we often buy the wrong vitamin.
Thank you for your knowledge and research and in giving it to us. Could not get this from many doctors.
Sincerely,
Carol
Hi,
Thanks for all your hard work doing research and then sharing with us.
Keep up the good work.
Goldie
I have low thyroid, and I was losing my hair and having digestive problems. My doctor put me on Nature-throid, which is a tiny pill, a little larger than a pinhead, that I take once a day. Is that the same as Syn-throid? I didn’t think it was bad for bones. Why does medicine that helps one condition, make another one worse? I now have a full head of thick hair, and my stomach problems are much better. I don’t want to get off the thyroid, which I think is a natural substance rather than a drug, but I don’t want my bones to suffer either as a result. Seems like when you’re on one thing, it affects something else, or as the old saying goes: Six of one and half a dozen of the other. Your feedback would be very helpful.
I take coenzyme Q-10 in soft gel form, 100 mg. per day. I was taking the 200 mg. dosage, but thought that might be too much. My doctor recommended it originally for my gums which were subject to frequent infections, and it seemed to help quite a bit. It’s always reassuring to know that I’m taking the right things to not only help build bones, but for other health considerations.
Hi Vivian,
Love your book! My son who is 19, and has 22Q syndrome, has also been diagnosed with osteoporosis. We are going to see an endocrinologist next week and I refuse to have him on the drugs. But it is so difficult to have him eat and drink the way in which I am trying to get accustomed to. He is all of 95 pounds and has had 2 open heart surgeries after birth. He his not on any medicines other than an inhaler to keep his lungs strong. Any advice for osteoporosis in someone so young? He has had blood work done before and his calcium levels seem to be fine, thyroid fine, no celiacs disease. Right now the doctors are puzzled.
Anything advice?
Sara Oglesbee
My doctor sent me for a dDxa scan and anounced I had no option but to go on Fodomax. All went well for a few years but the ache in my hips got worse and went back as I developed trouble swallowing! The Fosomax burned my throat so badly that I envisage in the future it will give me throat cancer! Then he insists each time I come for blood pressure check that I go on the 15 minute infusion of Aclast! But reading this I have been a silly goose and realise your health starts with yourself, why leave your doctor in charge who only knows about drugs! And the side effects are shoved underneath his expensive carpets! I now take Cq10 and calcium citrate and also yoghurt in the morning with my half a glass of oatstraw tea, a great one for your bones! my next Hexa scan is the end of this year so I can find out if all my altered eating worked
Is Lemon an acid, will it become alkalizing in tap water?
I’ve read where lemons, although they are acidic, are also included in alkaline diets, so don’t let the real sour taste fool you. They are definitely good for you, and also provide plenty of vitamin C. The only citrus fruit you need to be aware of is grapefruit. There is something in grapefruit that doesn’t mix well with any pills that you take. Maybe Vivian, who is much more knowledgeable than myself, could explain why people are told not to take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on certain medications.
I would like to know what you know and think of Fosteum.
Sombody can tell me, if Fosamax, Actenol and Boniva are so bad for our health why this medicine are in the market?
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?
Because the big drug manufacturers get very wealthy on the sale of these poisons, and that’s at the expense of the women who take them. They care much more about padding their pockets than protecting our health. Be one step ahead of them and don’t ruin your health to make them richer.
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
Here you go, Susan: NSI Ubiquinol CoQH Featuring Kaneka QH™ – 50 mg – 120 Softgels
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
Sorry for replying prior to checking into nsi one more time. I have located it. Thanks, Susan
After reading all these comments, I am starting on CoQ10, instead of Evista. Wish me luck. Jeane
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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-
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?
please do not take reclast—possible kidney problems—use the SAVE OUR BONES PROGRAM–DRUGS-ARE NOT THE ANSWER
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.
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.
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
Mary January 18, 2011 Wow, love the picture wish the frogs next to the BART train trckas would come to my yard love your pictures I too have a farm here in Richmond, for the past few summers I’ve grown fresh vegetables and fruit to enjoy can’t wait to share your blog with others to encourage them to grow vegetables and raise their own farm animals.Mary
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.
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.
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. 🙁
i take caltrate 2000mg daily i got off boniva. am ready too take another bone denisty test. please advise