Osteoporosis and Connective Tissue Screening from Blood and Urine

There is a generalised concept that osteoporosis is due to deficiency in calcium, vitamin D, and or low oestrogen levels especially in menopausal and perimenopausal women. Evidence has emerged in recent years to suggest that the cause can also be found in deficiencies of other nutrients associated with bone
and connective tissue chemistry.

One of the most common deficiencies or imbalances is to be found in Copper and Zinc. Results from a study carried out by the University of
Northern Ireland found copper deficiency to be a major cause of osteoporosis. However copper deficiency may be due to an excess of Zinc and visa versa. Copper levels are also very much influenced by hormone levels and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Normal adult levels of urine N-terminal telopeptide (NTX) suggest normal bone turnover. Moderate elevation of urine N-terminal telopeptide (NTX) suggests unbalanced bone re-modelling characteristic of osteoporosis.

Other nutrient deficiencies associated with osteoporosis are Magnesium, Manganese, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. It is interesting that deficiencies in these nutrients can also be associated with aches and pains in connective tissue, tendons muscles and ligaments, causing these tissues to be more susceptible to injury and inflammation as often found in fibromyalgia.