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“Osteoporosis medication does not work in isolation from the patient’s nutritional status. For women already consuming sufficient calcium, automatically adding more calcium may provide little additional skeletal benefit. In contrast, inadequate protein intake may be one reason the hip receives less protection from antiresorptive therapy
The practical message is not protein instead of calcium. It is to measure what the patient is actually eating and correct the nutritional gap that is present.”
Answer Summary
Members discussed the important connection between osteoporosis medications, nutrition, and bone health, with many sharing personal... Read more
Calcium, D3, and protein are critical. But, also consider Vitamin K2 supplements (tells the calcium to go into your bones, not your blood arteries), Magnesium (activates Vitamin D). Do NOT take too much of any of these vitamins or supplements - stay within recommendations - e.g., too much calcium often causes very painful kidney stones. And, absolutely yes to weight lifting. You effectively need to trigger your bones to use those vitamins through weight lifting. Get your DEXA scans annually.
@A MyBCTeam Member
Very good to hear that.
I have been taking the vitamin D and vitamin K at lunch and the magnesium glycinate at bedtime.
It always surprises me when you only hear about D3 and it’s never mentioned that K2 is needed along with it to make sure the calcium is deposited in your bones and not other areas in your body?!
I have been on anastrozole 7 years which caused a loss of bone density for me. I initially was diagnosed with osteopenia but in 2024 it worsened to osteoporosis. My oncologist told me I had to begin treatment for the osteoporosis or I had to switch my breast cancer medication. She referred me to an endocrinologist who gave me different options of medication I could take. I chose prolia shots given every 6 months. In addition to the medication, I engaged in weight bearing exercise (very important) walking 2 miles daily and on daily basis taking 2000 IU of vitamin D3 and 600 mg of Calcium. The results of my last bone density scan (taken yearly) showed a reverse back to osteopenia. I dont ever recall having a conversation on my diet and the impact of protein on bone density but it is a subject I will bring up at my next visit. In general it is always best to eat healthy.
It is important that the bone density scans you have be done at the same facility, that you do not ignore a diagnosis of osteoporosis and you seek a qualified specialist who treats osteoporosis. There are various medications available to treat osteoporosis so discuss your options with your doctor.
What a thoughtful and well-informed observation! The point being made here is absolutely valid — bone health during breast cancer treatment isn't a one-size-fits-all equation.
Many breast cancer treatments, particularly aromatase inhibitors, can accelerate bone loss by reducing estrogen levels. This makes bone health a Show Full Answer
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