Diet and food guidance for Paget's disease

No diet treats Paget's disease of bone, but good nutrition supports bone health and the effect of treatment. Your doctor will advise on calcium and vitamin D based on your blood results.

Key nutrients

• Calcium: adults generally need about 1000 to 1200 mg a day from food and supplements together. Sources include milk, curd, paneer, ragi, sesame seeds, almonds, tofu and leafy greens.
• Vitamin D: sunlight, eggs, fish and fortified foods. Many people in India are deficient. Ask about testing and dosing.
• Protein: dal, pulses, dairy, eggs, fish and meat
• Balanced diet: vegetables, fruit, whole grains and nuts

Around bisphosphonate treatment

Doctors often advise making sure calcium and vitamin D are adequate before and during treatment, as low levels can cause low blood calcium after a zoledronic acid infusion. Do not take high-dose supplements without advice.

Limit

• Excess salt, alcohol and tobacco
• Very high doses of calcium or vitamin D without a doctor's advice, which can cause kidney stones or high calcium

Weight

A healthy weight eases pressure on painful hips, knees and spine.

Ayurvedic view

Traditional advice favours warm, nourishing, freshly cooked meals with milk, sesame and ghee in moderation, and limits dry or stale food. This is a traditional framework. Evidence for specific foods in this condition is limited.

See a doctor if you have kidney stones, kidney disease or high calcium before taking supplements, or if you are losing weight unexpectedly.

Remember

Food supports bones, but treatment of the disease is medical. Ask what calcium and vitamin D doses suit you.