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What is NTx?
NTx is one collagen fragment produced as the osteoclasts (cells that breakdown bone) work in the body. Normally, the pits created are filled with new bone by the osteoblasts (cells that make bone). This process constantly rebuilds and repairs bone. NTx levels will rise as the rate of bone breakdown increases. If bone is broken down faster than it can be rebuilt the bones lose density and become fragile.
The NTx molecule is excreted into the urine and is measured using a specialized laboratory procedure. This test result indicates your rate of bone breakdown and risk of osteoporosis. Elevated levels of NTx indicate that bone is breaking down faster than it is being replaced and can indicate a risk of osteoporosis, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis. If you have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis, NTx levels can reveal the effectiveness of prevention strategies within 60-90 days. For more information on the NTx test visit womenshealth.com.
QRS Shows Positive NTx Result
Case Study
*Note: A normal NTx range is within 0-40 or 50. The lower the number the better.
Recently, a woman rented a QRS from me to treat her osteoporosis. She returned the system after the two month rental period. To test the effectiveness of the pulsed electromagnetic field therapy she had her doctor perform an NTx test before the start of the two month rental period, another one immediately following the two month rental period, and again two months later, after the end of the rental period, during which time she was not using the QRS.
These are her results:
Before QRS rental: 86
After 2 months QRS therapy: 43
Two months later, no QRS: 78
As I am not a doctor I shared these results with Dr. Pawluk (www.drpawluk.com) for his interpretation and he agreed that this result is pretty good in showing a strong decrease in bone protein turnover and then a post-treatment rebound. He also stated that although the NTx test is not a great predictor of future osteoporotic fractures, continuous high NTx levels would eventually translate into changes on DEXA.
Clearly this is not a controlled, double-blind study and should not be regarded as such. However, I think these results certainly warrant further investigation.
With this woman's consent, I decided to share her results for three reasons:
1. To educate others how they can take an active approach to their method of prevention. Find out if your current treatment plan is working through the use of the NTx test. Talk to your doctor.
2. To eliminate sceptism surrounding the use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as a viable treatment option for osteoporosis. The NTx test offers a concrete measure of effectiveness in the space of a two month rental period.
3. To stimulate interest in people to help me further my investigation and satisfy my curiosity, and, perhaps, yours!
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