Osteoporosis: A worldwide health problem

Osteoporosis gained importance due to increased life expectancy since this problem arises generally after the adolescence stage. In normal bones, cells are continuously being added and removed. The structure of bone is maintained by continuous breakdown (osteoclast) and new bone formation (osteoblast).

Until your early 20s, your body adds more new bone cells than it removes. This allows your bones to grow in size. Once you are about 30 years old, your body slowly starts to remove more bone cells than it adds. This process decreases the density of bones causing them to become more fragile and brittle. This is part of the normal aging process.

Significant loss of bone mineral indicates osteoporosis:

The normal annual bone loss is approximately 0.1 - 0.2 % of total body calcium but it can reach up to 0.5 % after the age of 40; also in postmenopausal women the loss can rise up to 1 %.

Medical Facts:

• Young woman with early stoppage of menstruation have high risk of osteoporosis.


• Men with high consumption of alcohol and hypercalciuria (calcium excreted in urine) are at higher risks.

Causes of osteoporosis:

• Low calcium intake.


• Hormonal, physical and circulatory factors.


• Deficiency of estrogen.


• Removal of ovaries.


• Alcohol and smoking ( since they reduce estrogen level)


• Excess phosphorus intake (soft drinks, red meat).


• Sedentary habits, immobilization of bone may also contribute in osteoporosis.


• Indiscriminate use of corticoids can also aggregate the condition.

Clinical manifestation:
Clinically, symptoms and signs of osteoporosis are low back pain, fracture of vertebrae, neck of femur, distal radius and sometimes loss of teeth due to lack of bone support. Only X-ray indicates the progress of this disease.

Prevention:


• Start taking preventive measures in early childhood.


• Adequate intake of fresh milk products, fresh and dry fruits, and eggs.


• Children should be encouraged to play more outdoor games.


• Physical activities, out door activities and exercise should be emphasized for people of all ages.


• Minimize the use of animal protein because it increases urinary calcium excretion.


• Calcium (500mg) and vitamin D (10 microgram) supplements are advisable daily. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.


• If calcium supplement is taken, adequate fluid intake must also be assured to avoid kidney stones.


• Smoking in all its forms and alcohol should be stopped as they are associated with high risk of bone fracture.


• Avoid immobilization and emphasize on walking.

Remember that one out of two women is susceptible to have osteoporosis compared to one out of 8 men. Therefore, women should be more carefully with their diet habits and physical activities to emphasize early prevention measures.