Acai As A Possible Treatment of Osteoporosis in Celiac Disease

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder wherein the bones become less dense than normal. The disease is characterized by bone loss that occurs at a rate that exceeds the body’s ability to create new bone tissue. As a result, bone mineral density is substantially reduced, bone micro architecture is altered, and the amount and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone is deranged. These changes make the bones more fragile and susceptible to fracture. Shrinking of the entire skeletal system can also occur, leading to the typical bent posture, humped shoulders and upper back.

Celiac disease on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine and typically occurs in genetically predisposed individuals of all ages. The disease is triggered by the body’s reaction to gliadin, a prolamin (gluten protein) found in wheat. Upon exposure gliadin, the body modifies the protein, while the immune system cross-reacts with the tissue in the small intestine, causing an inflammatory reaction. This leads to shortening of the villi lining the small intestine. Consequently, the absorption of nutrients is disrupted because the intestinal villi are primarily responsible for this bodily function. Symptoms include ataxia, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, failure to thrive (in children) and peripheral neuropathy. However, the disease tends to be asymptomatic in some cases.

Osteoporosis and Celiac Disease are closely linked

Osteoporosis and celiac disease are closely linked with the former being a complication of the latter. As aforementioned, celiac disease results in malabsorption of nutrients, and among those that are poorly absorbed are calcium, vitamins D and K, which are all vital for healthy bones. Hence, low bone density is common in people suffering from celiac disease. Moreover, when the disease is not diagnosed early, patients are placed at high risk of developing osteoporosis because their bodies have gone through a long period without enough calcium and other minerals required for normal bone growth and development.

People who develop osteoporosis at a young age are generally advised to be examined and tested for celiac disease in order to determine whether their low bone density is linked to malabsorption in the small intestine. In addition, medical practitioners are recommending that screening for celiac disease be carried out among geriatric patients with osteoporosis particularly those whose condition appears unresponsive to medication.

Since celiac disease and osteoporosis are so closely interrelated, a differential diagnosis is imperative. If the patient is confirmed to have celiac disease, then the treatment protocol should be geared towards minimizing the impact, if not curing the disease altogether in order to prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis. So far, the only known effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. To date, there is no medication that can prevent the body’s immune system from attacking the tissue of the small intestine when gluten is present. Patients have to rely on strict adherence to the diet to enable the small intestine to heal, which leads to the resolution of symptoms in most cases. If the diet is started early in the course of the disease, then it can also significantly reduce or eliminate the risk of osteoporosis.

In the event that osteoporosis has been detected without any evidence of celiac disease, a different treatment approach should be carefully planned for the patient. While several treatment regimens are available for osteoporosis, no definitive cure currently exists. Treatment of osteoporosis involves several aspects, including proper screening and diagnosis, medication, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

While there are established treatment procedures for both celiac disease and osteoporosis, there are also alternative therapies (i.e. ayurvedic medicine) as well as nutritional supplements such as the Acai berry. This superfruit is creating so much hype not only among patients with osteoporosis or celiac disease but across the medical field in general. What’s remarkable about Acai is that it appears capable of addressing the underlying causes and complications of osteoporosis and celiac disease simultaneously.

The Acai berry is a good source of natural fiber which is beneficial for the digestive tract and colon health. The freeze dried Acai powder has been found to contain 14 grams of fiber in every 100 grams of pulp. This is quite high considering the size of each Acai berry, but nonetheless it can definitely promote a healthy digestive system. When incorporated into the diet of a patient with celiac disease, it can prod the regeneration of damaged villi in the small intestine and enhance its ability to absorb the essential nutrients needed by the body.

Acai also contains a high amount of dietary calcium, the mineral that is the chief constituent of bones. Acai is a heaven-sent product for patients afflicted with osteoporosis. In the United States alone it is estimated that 10 million people are suffering from the disease which tends to be more prevalent among women. They are therefore at higher risk for developing osteoporosis later in life so their RDA for calcium is relatively higher than men. They can then take Acai berry supplements to attain the calcium levels required for healthy bones. Calcium also helps to strengthen the bones and prevent fractures, which is a common complication of osteoporosis. More importantly, building strong bones and reaching peak bone density before the age of 30 can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis. It only follows that it is best to take Acai supplements early to further increase your chance of reducing the risk of developing celiac disease and osteoporosis.

Dave Knop

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Tags: acai berry, autoimmune disorder, celiac disease, gliadin, metabolic bone disorder, osteporosis, treatment of celiac disease, treatment of osteoporosis