Thousands suffering with bone-thinning osteoporosis 'getting supplements, not the medicine they need'

Prof. John Carey warns that despite up to 70% of high-risk osteoporosis patients not being treated, unnecessary overtreatment occurs due to poor diagnosis and treatment practices.

The study revealed that calcium and vitamin D, while essential for bone health, are often misprescribed in place of effective osteoporosis medications. This leads to significant health risks and complications.

Carey highlighted the issues with DXA scans, noting that poor quality and lack of training result in false positives and inappropriate diagnoses, particularly in younger individuals.

Osteoporosis medications, supported by strong evidence, are essential for those at high risk, yet the current healthcare practices result in many patients missing critical treatment.

Read at Irish Independent