Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis means facing many changes, and one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the impact that some treatments can have on bone health. Maintaining good bone mass not only helps reduce the risk of fractures, but also helps preserve mobility, independence, and quality of life during and after treatment.
Being aware of this risk and adopting healthy habits from the beginning can make a big difference.
Why can prostate cancer treatment affect the bones?
In some patients, treatment includes androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which aims to reduce testosterone levels to slow tumor growth. Although it is an effective strategy, the reduction of this hormone also accelerates the loss of bone mineral density.
As a result, the risk of developing osteopenia or osteoporosis increases, two conditions that weaken the bones and increase the risk of fractures.*1*2
How to protect bone health during treatment
Although it is not always possible to prevent bone mass loss, there are evidence-based measures that help minimize it.
1. Maintain a calcium-rich diet
Calcium is the main mineral that makes up bones. Incorporating calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, or fortified plant-based beverages, helps meet daily needs.
2. Ensure adequate vitamin D levels
Vitamin D is essential for the body to properly absorb calcium. In addition to being obtained through moderate sun exposure and certain foods, many people have insufficient levels, especially from age 60 onward or during certain cancer treatments.
3. Do strength training
Strength training and resistance exercises stimulate the bone and help maintain bone mineral density. Walking, using resistance bands, or lifting light weights are beneficial activities as long as they are adapted to each patient's situation.
4. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
These habits promote bone mass loss and increase the risk of fractures, so reducing or eliminating them has a positive impact on both bone health and overall health.
5. Follow recommended monitoring
The specialist may order a bone densitometry (DXA) scan before and during treatment to assess changes in bone mass and decide whether to start additional measures.
Can a supplement be useful for bone health?
Yes, in most cases it is necessary. In addition to calcium and vitamin D, some supplements incorporate scientifically backed ingredients for bone maintenance.
Savebone® is a dietary supplement formulated to help maintain normal bones thanks to the combination of calcium and vitamin D3, two essential nutrients for bone health.
It also incorporates Phytate (IP6), an ingredient that has been studied for its role in bone mineralization. Various studies suggest that phytate may help reduce bone resorption and help maintain bone mineral density, acting as a complement to a healthy lifestyle.*4*5
Caring for bones is also part of treatment
Bone health is an aspect that deserves attention from the beginning of prostate cancer treatment. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, ensuring an adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D, and undergoing recommended medical check-ups are essential measures to preserve quality of life.
In patients at higher risk of bone mass loss, the healthcare professional may consider incorporating specific supplements such as Savebone®, as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at maintaining strong bones throughout all stages of treatment.
Do you want to take care of your bone health?
Maintaining strong bones is an important part of well-being, especially during treatments that can affect bone mineral density. In addition to following your doctor's recommendations, a proper diet, exercise, and a sufficient supply of key nutrients can help you protect your bone health.
Savebone® combines calcium, vitamin D3, and Phytate (IP6), a formulation designed to help maintain normal bones and support bone health as part of a healthy lifestyle.
References:
*1 Saad F, Adachi JD, Brown JP, Canning LA, Gelmon KA, Josse RG, Pritchard KI. Cancer treatment-induced bone loss in breast and prostate cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Nov 20;26(33):5465-76. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2008.18.4184. Epub 2008 Oct 27. PMID: 18955443.
*2 Shahinian, V. B., Kuo, Y. F., Freeman, J. L., & Goodwin, J. S. (2005). Risk of fracture after androgen deprivation for prostate cancer. The New England Journal of Medicine, 352(2), 154–164. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa041943
*3 Cosman, F., de Beur, S. J., LeBoff, M. S., Lewiecki, E. M., Tanner, B., Randall, S., & Lindsay, R. (2014). Clinician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis International, 25(10), 2359–2381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-014-2794-2
*4 Grases, F., Costa-Bauzá, A., & Prieto, R. M. (2006). Renal lithiasis and nutrition. Nutrition Journal, 5, 23. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-5-23
*5 Grases, F., Perelló, J., Isern, B., & Prieto, R. M. (2014). Phytate (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) and risk factors for osteoporosis. Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(11), 1243–1248. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2013.0177
