Marfan Bone Health

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When I read the study linked below explaining that Marfan bone health may be less than the average person’s bone health, I was kind of excited. I am the survivor of a blood cancer called multiple myeloma. Though MM is a blood cancer, bone damage, bone fractures, etc. are common symptoms.

I was excited to be able to pass on the evidence-based bone therapies that have helped me strengthen my own bones since my diagnosis in late 1994.

Almost forgot. I am a cancer survivor and I was recently diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome.

I should go on record as saying that I know little about the medications that Marfan survivors take. Therefore, I think it would be necessary to talk to your medical doctor about taking any of the bone health therapies below before taking any to make sure there are no supplements that may be contraindicated to a medication that you are currently taking.


What are evidence-based, non-conventional bone health therapies?

1. Vitamin K2

  • Mechanism: Vitamin K2 activates proteins that regulate bone metabolism, such as osteocalcin, which helps bind calcium to the bone.
  • Evidence: Studies show that Vitamin K2 can improve bone density and reduce fracture risk, especially in postmenopausal women. It works synergistically with Vitamin D and calcium.

2. Collagen Supplements

  • Mechanism: Collagen is a major protein in bone structure, contributing to its strength and flexibility.
  • Evidence: Some randomized controlled trials suggest collagen supplementation can increase bone mineral density (BMD) and decrease bone degradation, particularly in postmenopausal women.

3. Strontium

  • Mechanism: Strontium is a mineral that can mimic calcium and promote bone formation while slowing bone resorption.
  • Evidence: Strontium ranelate (in pharmaceutical form) has shown promising results in reducing fracture risks in people with osteoporosis, though it’s more common in Europe. Natural strontium citrate is a supplement form, though less extensively studied.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

  • Mechanism: Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects, which may reduce bone loss associated with chronic inflammation.
  • Evidence: Some studies have linked higher omega-3 intake to improved bone mineral density and reduced fracture risk, though results vary, and more research is needed.

5. Herbal Remedies (e.g., Red Clover, Black Cohosh)

  • Mechanism: Certain herbs, such as red clover, contain phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen, which plays a role in bone health.
  • Evidence: Some research suggests that phytoestrogens may improve bone health in postmenopausal women, though effects are typically modest compared to conventional treatments.

6. Boron

  • Mechanism: Boron helps in the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, which are critical for bone health.
  • Evidence: Small studies suggest boron supplementation can improve bone strength and reduce calcium loss, though larger studies are needed to confirm this.

7. Electrotherapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy)

  • Mechanism: This therapy uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate bone growth and healing, especially in cases of fractures or osteoporosis.
  • Evidence: Some clinical trials support its efficacy in fracture healing and potentially improving bone density in people with osteoporosis.

8. Weight-Bearing Exercises (Yoga, Tai Chi)

  • Mechanism: Physical activities that exert force on bones stimulate bone formation and help maintain bone mass.
  • Evidence: Weight-bearing exercises, including resistance training, yoga, and tai chi, have been shown to improve bone density and reduce fracture risks in older adults. Tai chi has also been associated with better balance and fall prevention.

9. Whole Body Vibration Therapy (WBV)

  • Mechanism: WBV stimulates the muscles and bones through low-level mechanical vibrations, potentially promoting bone formation.
  • Evidence: Some studies indicate WBV may improve bone density and muscle strength in postmenopausal women and older adults, but more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

10. Magnesium

  • Mechanism: Magnesium is vital for converting Vitamin D into its active form, and it plays a role in calcium metabolism.
  • Evidence: Studies suggest magnesium deficiency is associated with lower bone density and that supplementation can benefit people with low magnesium levels.

Another important issue. I have been taking/undergoing most of the bone health therapies listed above for years. The FDA approved bone strengthening therapy, a class of drugs called bisphophonates, can reduce the risk of “skeletal related events” (think bone fractures) but bring short, long-term and late stage side effects with them.

Especially after taking bisphosphonates for more than a year or two. I think that bisphosphonate therapy has an important use to enhance Marfan bone health. But patients need to be made aware of any side effects.

If you have questions about evidence-based non-conventional bone health therapies email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com

Thank  you,

David Emerson

  • Cancer Survivor
  • Cancer Coach
  • Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Reducing risk of bone fracture in people with rare genetic disorder

“Our bones are the internal framework of our body. They’re typically dense—providing the support we need to walk, run, and jump—and they’re resistant to fracture. But in people with the rare genetic disorder Marfan Syndrome (MFS), bones are less dense and those in their arms and legs grow longer than normal…

She (Dr. Zimmerman) and her team used the BMIT beamline to compare the structure of bones affected by MFS to typical bones. The findings are published in the journal Matrix Biology Plus

Bones are porous, meaning they’re built like sponges, with tiny holes inside that allow fluid to move through them. Zimmerman and her team found that, in the bones with MFS, the pores were much smaller than those in typical bones…

Because people with MFS have much smaller pores in their bones, causing fluid to move through the bone differently, mechanosensation is a possible explanation for why they’re at increased risk for fractures…

 

 

 

 

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