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3. Take the Osteoporosis Quiz

Medical Author:

Coburn Hobar, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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A diet that includes adequate calcium and vitamin D is essential. Recommendations for people with osteoporosis include a daily dosage of 1,200 mg-1,500 mg of calcium along with 400-800 IU (international units) of vitamin D. A doctor can measure how much calcium is in the blood and urine, how much vitamin D is in the blood, and make suggestions to ensure that the correct dosages are taken.

Calcium may also boost the power of other osteoporosis treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy. Bone mass is significantly greater in women on hormone replacement therapy who consume more calcium.

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