Andrew Lane, president of Lane Labs—a company that specializes in unique natural supplements and topicals— has called attention a new study that suggest there may be a link between bone loss and asthma. As Lane and others have recognized, dysfunction in one of the body’s systems often creates dysfunction in another.
Researchers from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s (ACAAI) scientific journal analyzed the medical records of over 7,000 adult patients in Seoul, Korea. They found that people with a certain symptom of asthma had a clinically meaningful decrease in bone mass density (BMD). Lane Labs is well known for its patented calcium supplement, AdvaCAL, and Andrew Lane is well acquainted with the fact that many health factors affect the bones. Consequently, he is not surprised by these findings.
“There are many conditions, age and lifestyle factors, and even medicines that may contribute to weak or fragile bones. Your bones support you. They hold your body up, keep you mobile, and are imperative to your health,” Lane says. “Taking care of them should be of the utmost importance, especially given that people are living longer. Research in bone health may benefit millions of Americans and people around the world.”
The study pointed to many factors that could be the reason for low bone density in asthma sufferers, but nothing conclusive was found. Among the potential reasons are low Vitamin D levels and the use of corticosteroids. According to Web MD, corticosteroids are a common treatment for asthma patients because they dampen the inflammation in the airways. Inhalers made using dry powdered corticosteroids are one of the most commonly used and effective treatments for asthma. When used daily as part of a doctors prescribed asthma control regimen, over time they improve lung function and reduce asthma attacks.
Corticosteroids are a type of steroid, but they do not pose the same dangers as anabolic steroids, the banned substance used by athletes for performance enhancement. The small dosage of corticosteroids found in these inhalers have a low degree of side effects; however, more serious cases of asthma can require the use of the drug in the more potent forms of liquid, pill, or injection. These higher dosage medications have been known to have serious side effects.
Yahoo Health asserts that taking cortisone medications like corticosteroids over long periods of time interferes with hormone levels in a way that leeches calcium, Vitamin D, and other nutrients from the bones. Patients who use corticosteroids long term may be advised to undergo bone density scans and even X-ray exams to monitor the situation and check for fractures.
WebMD notes that calcium supplements are best sellers in the U.S. because they not only help support bone strength but also maintain heart rhythm and improve muscle function. Calcium supplement and calcium-rich foods are commonly prescribed by doctors for these and other reasons.
WebMD goes on to say that supplemental calcium may benefit blood pressure and regulate high levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium in the blood. It is also a common ingredient in antacids.
Andrew Lane explains, “Natural-based medicines have been shown to enhance the longevity, or more importantly, quality of life. Calcium has already proven itself beneficial in many aspects of health, including function of the blood vessels, nerves, hormones— and of course, bone density.” He notes that clinical research on Lane Labs AdvaCAL, a patented calcium supplement, has demonstrated high rates of absorption as well as bone density improvement in pre- and postmenopausal women, postmenopausal women, and men and elderly women. That important because many people do not get enough calcium in their regular diets, making them more susceptible to weakened bones.
WebMD lists several foods that are high in calcium, including tofu, milk, cheese broccoli, yogurt, and kale. Calcium is generally not well absorbed by the body. As such, vitamin D and magnesium may benefit calcium absorption into the blood stream. Adequate calcium is an important element in the diet, but most people don’t get enough, particularly those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. In this case, foods that have been fortified with calcium can make up for the lack of dairy-based calcium intake. Calcium supplements such as Lane Labs AdvaCAL can be a great help in this regard, especially since they are proven to have high rates of absorption and improve bone density.
