Local Medical Experts Explain Why Biomarkers Offer the Best Roadmap to Optimal Health

Our bones provide structure, protect our organs, anchor muscles and store calcium. And yet they are constantly changing, as new bone is created and old bone is broken down. Ninety percent of our bone mass is acquired by age 18, and this amount peaks at age 30. From there it’s a decline, gradual for some, while others are not so fortunate. Myriad factors can contribute to bone loss — from age, nutrition deficiencies, hormone levels and gut issues, to stress, poor sleep, medications and other health conditions. Most doctors don’t recommend getting a DEXA scan to track bone density until we are in our 50s to 60s, which is often far too late.

When it comes to testing, Bone Coach Kevin Ellis says, “the earlier the better so you can establish a baseline to monitor.” Anyone who had an eating disorder, poor diet and nutrition, health issues, or who is postmenopausal, should get a DEXA scan as well. The results of that DEXA scan will indicate one of three things: normal bone density, osteopenia, or osteoporosis. Osteopenia indicates you have lower bone density than normal with an increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis means “porous bone” and is an indicator of reduced bone strength and an increase in fracture risk.

If diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, many doctors will immediately recommend pharmaceuticals like Fossamax or Prolio, but according to Ellis, there’s more biomarker testing to be done and questions to ask before taking drugs that can have severe long-term consequences. Ellis suggests that patients also request a C-Telopeptide (CTX) blood test. This looks at the activity level of the cells (osteoclasts) that break down and resorb bone. “If the activity level of those cells is high, it could be an indicator of active bone loss.” Other important tests he recommends include Vitamin D levels, parathyroid hormone, thyroid function, inflammation levels, and tTG-IgA and Total Serum IGA testing to rule out celiac disease. “Many people with celiac disease are asymptomatic and lack the classic GI symptoms, unaware that the villi in the small intestines are being damaged, contributing to the malabsorption of nutrients. If key bone-healthy nutrients like calcium and phosphorus aren’t being absorbed, your body will pull those minerals from the bones to serve other purposes in the body,” adds Ellis.

Medications can also affect bone health as studies are showing that SSRI’s, PPI’s/proton pump inhibitors, corticosteroids like Prednisone, and breast cancer medications can contribute to bone loss, so discuss the risk versus reward of taking these prescriptive drugs if you have osteoporosis with your healthcare provider.