Osteoporosis, what is it?
Table of Contents
WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?
What causes osteoporosis?
Left: normal bone, right: osteoporotic bone or bones are living tissue and constantly changing. From the moment of birth until young adulthood, bones are developing and strengthening. Our bones are at their most dense in our early 20s – called peak bone mass. See more detailed information about Bone Biology.
As we age some of our bone cells begin to dissolve bone matrix (resorption), while new bone cells deposit osteoid (formation). This process is known as remodeling.
For people with osteoporosis, bone loss outpaces the growth of new bone. Bones become porous, brittle and prone to fracture. For more detailed information see Pathophysiology: Biological Causes of Osteoporosis.
Osteoporotic fractures
Around the world, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men are at risk of an osteoporotic fracture. In fact, an osteoporotic fracture is estimated to occur every 3 seconds. The most common fractures associated with osteoporosis occur at the hip, spine and wrist. The likelihood of these fractures occurring, particularly at the hip and spine, increases with age in both women and men.
Of particular concern are vertebral (spinal) and hip fractures. Vertebral fractures can result in serious consequences, including loss of height, intense back pain and deformity (sometimes called Dowager’s Hump). A hip fracture often requires surgery and may result in loss of independence or death.
Hip Comparison - Osteoporosis
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment
The good news is there are many steps that can be taken to prevent and diagnose osteoporosis. It’s now a largely treatable condition and, with a combination of lifestyle changes and appropriate medical treatment, many fractures can be avoided.
Most importantly, joint and bone health should start from an early age, most people as they age which to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
It is not only age that impacts your bone and joints, weekend warriors and athletes suffer from joint pain and in some cases bone fractures and strains.
Collagen is the key structural component of cartilage tissue and maintaining its integrity is essential to maintain healthy and flexible joints.
Bones are dynamic tissue that constantly goes through a well-balanced breakdown and renewal process. This ensures they stay healthy and avoid fractures throughout their lives. 90% of our organic bone mass is collagen. Collagen provides the organic framework in bones on which minerals are deposited and also contribute to bone flexibility and strength. With age or certain lifestyle choices, bones can deteriorate.
What is Vitamin D and What Does it Do?
Vitamin D plays an important role in protecting your bones, both by helping your body absorb calcium and by supporting the muscles needed to avoid falls. Children need vitamin D to build strong bones, and adults need it to keep their bones strong and healthy. If you don’t get enough vitamin D, and you’re more likely to break bones as you age.
What is Calcium and What Does it Do?
Cheese, milk, fish, almonds, and other bone-healthy foods
A calcium-rich diet (including dairy, nuts, leafy greens and fish) helps to build and protect your bones.
Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for life. In addition to building bones and keeping them healthy, calcium enables our blood to clot, our muscles to contract, and our heart to beat. About 99% of the calcium in our bodies is in our bones and teeth.
What is Vitamin K2 and What does it do?
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is a vitamin found in fermented foods. Controlled studies in people also observe that vitamin K2 supplements generally improve bone and heart health.
vitamin K2 plays a central role in the metabolism of calcium — the main mineral found in your bones and teeth.
Vitamin K2 activates the calcium-binding actions of two proteins — matrix GLA protein and osteocalcin, which help to build and maintain bones.
Interestingly, there is also substantial evidence from controlled studies that K2 may provide major benefits for bone health.