Ask Dr. Mike: Osteopenia, Capping Your Teeth & Clarity on NAD

Here you'll find the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions posed by Healthy Talk fans. Listen in because what you know helps ensure healthy choices you can live with. Today on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know:

I have osteopenia, and I have been taking calcium and vitamin D for about two years. However, nothing has really changed. I heard about strontium and was wondering your thoughts on it?

Osteopenia is low bone density and the beginning stage of osteoporosis. As you age, your bones become thinner and lose minerals, causing them to become weaker and at risk for breaking or fracture.

You may want to consider taking vitamin K2 to help your bones absorb your calcium and vitamin D.

Strontium has been around since the 50s and 60s and was actually the most commonly taken supplement. In Dr. Mike's opinion, strontium works great and helps improve your bone health.

Do you have to have missing teeth capped? I heard if you don't, your jaw can move and cause your other teeth to become misaligned.

This might depend on where your missing tooth is. For example, if it's in the back of your mouth, you don't necessarily need to cap your teeth. However, if it's in the front you may want to consider this, but not because of the risk of your teeth becoming misaligned.

Have you heard about NAD? Some companies are promoting it as an energy and anti-aging supplement?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the cellular process of all living things. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide plus hydrogen (NADH) is a supplement that plays an important role in cell energy production. So, yes, NAD can be used for cell energy. If you can't make cell energy, unfortunately you won't live very long.

If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him at askdrmikesmith@radiomd.com so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.