Steroids and weak bones

[Madbiker1]

Do any of you have osteoporosis due to steriods?Started dupilimab in January - it works well enough to get me off prednisolone ( it has unpleasant side effects - it plays hell with my sinuses - sneezing coughing and headaches).

I have asked for a dexa scan as it is around five years since my last and I estimate I have had 60+ courses of pred over the last eight years.

[hainsy52]

Glad to hear dupilimab seems to be working and your off the dreaded pred.I to have Eosinophilic asthma and have been on prednisolone since 2009,I have osteoporosis and have to have a dexa scan every 2 years and I take meds to counteract this.I’ve had all the biologics except dupilimab but all were unsuccessful,I have just started Tezepelumab in March so fingers crossed this one will help

[ChrissieMons]

I've had lots of steroids over the years and I understand it's probably the cause of my osteoporosis. However, I take the tablets and the last Dexa scan said the bone density had improved a bit!

[lejaya]

I have osteoporosis in my hips and osteopenia in my spine caused by steroids I take calcium supplements and have dexa scans every few years

[Poobah]

I joined a Facebook group specialising in VitD3 and co-factors, mainly because of the effects that steroids have on the teeth and bones over time. The group have a very good understanding on how important VitD3 is, along with its co-factors, in skeletal health. We're designed to absorb calcium but need VitD3 etc to utilise it. VitD3 also plays an important role in immunity. I had been taking 2,000iu VitD3 tablets for several years and was surprised that my blood test showed only a low result. Adding in the co-factors (VitK2, magnesium, boron) helps the body utilise the VitD3 which turns into Calcitrol in the body and this is absolutely necessary for the absorption of calcium.

So I would first test your VitD3 levels and if that's low you need to address that before you even start to supplement calcium.

And if asthmatics are on prescribed antacids, that can inhibit the absorption of VitD from foods. I use an oil based spray now (VitD3 is fat soluble) and that's definitely made a difference. It's not easy to get all the necessary sunshine in order to make VitD3 and living in a northern hemisphere country we just don't have sufficient sun all the year round. Lockdown certainly didn't help.

I hope this helps.

[Carus in reply to Poobah]

Hi Poobah, thanks for this info. What would be a good blood level for Vit. D?

[Poobah in reply to Carus]

NHS levels for adequate range is 30 nmol/L to 50 nmol/L.

Sufficient range 51 nmol/L and above.

However the Optimum is around 120 nmol/L as recommended by the VitD3 group I belong to, but I'm mindful that they are members because they have various health challenges. The NHS considers anything over 125 nmol/L as potentially problematic but I can't see what they base that on. Different international health authorities have different ranges. It's wise to research this, get tested before you embark on supplements and then monitor your levels to ensure your regime is working and to avoid over doing it.

Facebook group: "Vitamin D & Co-factors. UK"

[Carus in reply to Poobah]

My doctor thinks a level of 30 is fine even though I have severe osteoporosis. Thanks for this info!

[Poobah in reply to Carus]

There are two standard ways to measure the blood serum levels; nmol/L and ng/mL. So if your blood serum level is 30ng/mL that equates to 75nmol/L. But if it's 30nmol/L, it's definitely too low.

I've attached a chart to show the corresponding measurements.

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[Carus in reply to Poobah]

You are fantastic Poobah! Thanks for this info. I’ll double check which one corresponds to my tests.