Anticoagulants increase the risk of osteoporosis

Anticoagulant - warfarin (Photo: chemsoc.org)

Scientists at the University of Washington (USA) found that using a lot of anticoagulants - warfarin, may increase the risk of osteoporosis in the elderly.

After studying 15,000 patients who were prescribed warfarin, the incidence of osteoporosis increased by 25% in patients taking warfarin over a year. Warfarin works to hinder the role of vitamin K in clotting and thereby preventing blood clots. However, vitamin K also interacts with a protein that plays a major role in bone formation. Scientists recommend that warfarin users should exercise regularly and fully absorb calcium and vitamin D. (Healthday)