Medical Nutrition Therapy for Patients with Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone fragility that afflicts more than 25 million Americans and costs the economy of the United States approximately $13.8 billion per year. In addition to direct economic costs, osteoporosis frequently costs patients their independence and a decrease in quality of life. Patients with osteoporosis, particularly those with hip fractures, are often older, malnourished persons in need of nutrition assessment and intervention. Such intervention in persons with hip fractures has been shown to be effective in reducing medical costs by decreasing hospital stays and morbidity. We review here a working practice of care at our osteoporosis research center for the medical nutrition therapy of patients with osteoporosis. Medical nutrition therapy includes an evaluation of the patient's health history, social status, and nutrient intake. On the basis of the assessment, a nutrition care plan can be developed and implemented with the goals of improving clinical outcomes and the quality of life for patients and saving health care dollars. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997:97:414–417.