Bone Risk

  • 46 months ago
1 minute read.
Bone Risk

Bones are rigid living organs whose growth is affected by diet & exercise. The combination of collagen (protein) & calcium phosphate (mineral) makes bone strong & flexible enough to withstand stress.

Modifiable factors that increase risk of bone loss

  • Smoking: Interferes with body's processing of calcium making smokers more prone to fractures.
  • Alcohol: Interferes with vitamin D synthesis - a process that helps bones absorb calcium.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Bones lose their mass during long periods of inactivity and lack of regular exercise.
  • Medications: Commonly prescribed steroids to treat asthma and arthritis, & high doses of thyroid hormone interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium.
  • Low hormonal levels: Low levels of oestrogen in women & testosterone in men promotes bone loss

Non-modifiable factors that increase risk of bone loss

  • Gender: Women have lighter thinner bones than men
  • Age: Women who experience menopause at age 45 or younger are at higher risk
  • Body size: Small, thin women are more susceptible than larger women
  • Genetics: Reduced bone mass is seen in a child whose parent suffers from osteoporosis or an osteoporotic bone fracture. Bones are rigid living organs whose growth is affected by diet & exercise. The combination of collagen (protein) & calcium phosphate (mineral) makes bone strong & flexible enough to withstand stress.

Did you know?

An adult skeleton has 206 bones.

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