“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” - Benjamin Franklin.
In celebration of World Osteoporosis Day, Next Biosciences brings you an updated perspective on the importance of early intervention for the protection of bone health.
The Significance of Osteoporosis Awareness
The significance of osteoporosis awareness can be highlighted by the high frequency of fragility fractures in the elderly, which, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, affects 1 in 3 women over the age of 50, and 1 in 5 men.
Due to the bone-depleting effects of menopause, women are more vulnerable to osteoporosis. However, men only have a lower risk up to the age of 80, after which most people are osteoporotic.
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Ageing causes bone loss. Just as all other organs and systems in the body are affected by age, bone health deteriorates throughout life. Ageing causes negative changes in bone composition, bone mass, and bone structure, the combined effect of which compromises bone strength and function.
Unless preventative measures are established early, the combination of skeletal neglect and bone deterioration with age often results in osteoporosis.
Primary osteoporosis is caused by skeletal neglect during the early phases of life, especially during periods of peak bone mass accumulation, which occur before the age of 30.
Secondary osteoporosis may be the unfortunate consequence of other disease conditions or the use of certain drugs that promote calcium loss from bones or impair calcium absorption.
A broad range of drugs may negatively impact bone health, including methotrexate, tetracycline, thyroid hormones, lithium, heparin, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, SSRIs, and aluminium-containing antacids.
Is Osteoporosis a Serious Condition?
Osteopenia is the medical term used to describe low bone mineral density, which is the first sign of a problem and the precursor to osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis occurs when bone mineral density becomes so low that the skeleton is unable to sustain ordinary strains (such as carrying groceries) without incurring fractures.
In this way, osteoporosis is a potentially debilitating, painful condition, requiring surgery for fractures, long-term rehabilitation, and eventually leading to a loss of quality of life.
Symptoms and Early Warning Signs of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can progress silently without symptoms until a fracture occurs. An understanding of osteoporosis risk factors becomes an essential aspect of management to establish candidates for early monitoring of bone density.
High-risk candidates include post-menopausal women, Caucasians, Asians, individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, and underweight individuals or those with a small frame size.
Is Osteoporosis Genetic?
Family history is a strong indicator of osteoporosis risk, as many genetic variants contribute to bone turnover (the continuous repair and remodelling of bone tissue to maintain skeletal strength).
A 3X4 Genetics Test will indicate the impact of genetics on bone health and the relative urgency for preventative care.
Lifestyle genetic testing can be used as a gauge for early bone density screening (before the age of 50) and the need for nutritional supplements.
Haphazard supplementation to support bone health is not advisable without the guidance of a registered health professional, as a vitamin D overdose can be toxic in the absence of a pre-determined deficiency.
What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Osteoporosis?
The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention, paired with a thorough understanding of personal risk.
A 3X4 blueprint report will provide a personal risk rating based on the analysis of at least six different genes associated with bone health. This report also offers specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations according to individual genetic variants.
Lifestyle Practices to Support Bone Health
Daily sunlight exposure and maintenance of optimal vitamin D status: Vitamin D synthesis in the skin is initiated by UV radiation. Daily moderate sun exposure is advisable.
Weight-bearing exercise: Research has shown that immobility causes bone loss, whereas bones that are ‘stressed’ through regular physical exertion and muscle movement actually become stronger. Exercise guidelines for osteoporosis prevention suggest that weight-bearing activity should be included up to five times per week.
Smoking: Tobacco use has been associated with accelerated bone loss and reduced bone density.
Restriction of caffeine to <300mg (2 cups) per day: Excessive consumption of coffee may reduce intestinal calcium absorption and increase urinary calcium excretion. Although some teas contain caffeine, green and black tea also contain fluoride, plant estrogens, and manganese, which are protective of bone health.
Adequate dietary intake of bone-building minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K: Regular consumption of the following foods will provide dietary support for bone health: eggs, beef/chicken liver, salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, dark green leafy vegetables, bone broth, nuts and seeds, sweet potato, dairy products, and calcium-fortified dairy alternatives.
Can You Recover from Osteoporosis?
Although corrective lifestyle interventions and certain medications may improve bone density and prevent further bone loss, there is no cure for osteoporosis.
The supportive role of the skeleton should never be taken for granted, as its preservation is crucial for longevity.
References:
- https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures
- https://www.osswf.com/can-you-reverse-osteoporosis-here-are-the-facts/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020138322009123
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10194687/#:~:text=The%201%2Dyear%20mortality%20rate,have%20residual%20disability%20or%20pain
- https://auth.3x4genetics.com
- https://physiciansallianceofconnecticut.com/blog/can-osteoporosis-be-reversed-learn-the-health-and-lifestyle-tips-to-curb-osteoporosis-symptoms/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11103071/