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.