Can Vitamin C Improve My Bone Density? Can I Stop Taking Actonel?

Neil Gonter, MD Health Professional Internist, Rheumatologist Neil J. Gonter, M.D., is a board certified Internist and... Send Message Subscribe: Neil Gonter, MD

Monday, January 05, 2009
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Reader Question: I have osteoporosis. I am taking Actonel, Calcium and Vitamin D. I recently read that taking Vitamin C can help improve my bone density. Is this true? Can I stop my Actonel? For the past few years there has been some discussion about Vitamin C and its role in bone metabo...

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Thanks, Dr. Gonter
PJ Hamel
Monday, January 05, 2009 at 11:57 AM

Vitamin C is good for a number of health reasons, I know, but I didn't realize osteoporosis might be one of them. I wouldn't assume I'd be able to substitute it for medication. But I WOULD assume, from the info., that vitamin C may help my bones, and I should certainly add it as a supplement to my morning vitamins—especially as it's practically impossible to take too much vitamin C, right? I've heard your body simply flushes out any excess. Thanks for this information - PJH