A German study found that long-term treatment with bisphosphonates leads to the formation of a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E. The body needs both active ingredients to slow bone loss in osteoporosis. Supplemental coenzyme Q10 therefore optimizes such long-term therapy.
Bisphosphonates are not free of side effects, as up to 10% of women treated with it suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. However, ulcers, perforations or bleeding of the esophagus can occur rarely.
As a countermeasure, the supplements should be taken in an upright position to prevent reflux into the oesophagus. Side effects such as bone or joint pain are rare and are more likely to occur during long-term therapy. Oral ingestion should be done 60 minutes before eating.
Protection against osteoporosis after menopause.
The most important effect of bisphosphonates is the inhibition of osteoclasts or bone resorption – i.e. the degradation of bone tissue. They are usually prescribed for postmenopausal osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
The longer the duration of the treatment, the greater the deficiency of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E.
Lack of Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E?
A joint study by two German universities examined 71 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis who were otherwise clinically healthy. Of those observed, 27 had received amino-biphosphonates either orally or intravenously. Seventeen did not receive anything in order to serve as a control group.
Of the group of women treated with medication, a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E was observed. The level of the effect correlated directly with the duration of treatment – the longer the stronger.
The Consequences
Studies of lipid metabolism disorders have shown that Coenzyme Q10 deficiency can lead to muscle and joint pain. This particularly occurs as a side effect of taking cholesterol-lowering statins. Both vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 are antioxidants that are needed in the body to inhibit the cells that break down bone matter in osteoporosis.
Furthermore, coenzyme Q10 is able to inhibit the differentiation of osteoclasts. Further information, especially on coenzyme Q10, its effects and applications can be found in the article here.
This presents a new starting point for optimizing osteoporosis therapy with bisphosphonates, especially for long-term patients.
