Osteoporosis Is a Disease Which Effects Bone

Osteoporosis is a disease which effects bone density in the human body. This increases the risk of fracture. Osteoporosis, means "porous bones," and is essentially a condition that arises when the amount of calcium necessary for bone density and structure slowly decreases and therefore makes the body more vulnerable to fractures. (Osteoporosis) This disease affects a large number of people every year. While commonly those over the age of fifty are most at risk, osteoporosis can also affect much younger people. Statistic show that In the U.S. today,

million individuals already have osteoporosis and 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for this disease. One out of every two women and one in eight men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime."

(Osteoporosis Overview)

B.

Osteoporosis does not affect the organs as such but affects the bone structure and density of skeleton. This may however have an affect on the surrounding organs and health generally, as bones are an important of calcium to the organs.

C.

This disease is caused basically by the decline of calcium levels necessary for bone strength in the body. Besides being a support for muscles and organs, the bone structure or human skeleton also serve as an important storage area for 99% of the calcium necessary for the entire body. (Osteoporosis)

It must be remembered that bones are not lifeless structures in the body but are composed of living and growing tissue. This tissue is continually being used and broken down by the body. This process is known as remodeling. (ibid) The process of bone remodeling is achieved though the actions of certain cells known as osteoclasts. In effect these cells erode the bones in order to release necessary calcium into the human bloodstream, which is vital for organ functioning. This process also includes the action of another group of cells known as osteoblasts; which are designed to rebuild the bones and skeleton. They use collagen, crystal of calcium and phosphorus to replace the erosion caused by the osteoclasts

This process is beneficial to the body as long as a balance is maintained. In the early tears of life, from childhood to adulthood, bone is created much faster than it is broken down or eroded. However this process and the positive balance in the breaking down or erosion process starts to reverse when a person reaches approximately 35 years of age. (ibid) This results in a gradual loss and weakening of the skeletal structure. Therefore the individuals who manage to build strong bone density in early years of life will possibly never suffer from a calcium deficiency and possible osteoporosis. However, "a person who has low bone density could easily develop osteoporosis despite losing only a relatively small amount of calcium." ( ibid)

There are many causal factors that can lead to lack of adequate bone calcium. One of the most common causes in women is a deficiency of the hormone estrogen, which usually accompanies signs of bone deterioration and loss of calcium. This often occurs at menopause in women. Similarly in men a testosterone deficiency may also lead to osteoporosis.

Another causal factor has been found to be intense exercise which strains the bone structure, such as long distance running, also affects hormonal levels. There are also more obvious factors that may lead to osteoporosis, including poor nutrition and individuals who have eating disorders. Disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa may lead to a condition known as menorrhea or absence of menstrual periods, and this may develop into Osteoporosis. It has also been found that ethnic background can also play a role in the incidence of osteoporoses. Studies show " ... that Caucasian and Asian women are at highest risk. Risk is lower for African-American and Latino women. ( ibid) Certain medications have been known to be a factor in the development of the disease. These include excessive thyroid medications, anticoagulants, antiepileptic drugs and immunosuppressants. ( ibid)

D.

Diet is obviously a very important factor in the prevention of this disease as it is caused essentially by a lack of calcium. One of the best sources of calcium is from a balanced diet of " ... fruits, vegetables -- especially leafy green ones -- grains, protein, and low-fat dairy products." (Bennett, B) There are also numerous calcium fortified products on the market that can supplement diet. These supplements should be checked that they meet USP standards. ( The U.S. Pharmacopeia is an organization that sets drug manufacturing standards) Nutritionists recommend that "Men and women between the ages of 19 and 50 should get about 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium daily while those over 50 should get 1,200 mg. "( ibid)

E.

There is no easy or immediate cure or treatment for this disease. However the are a number of medicines and treatments which are designed to slow down the process of loss of bone density and calcium depletion. It has been found that "... Increasing calcium intake to 1500 mg per day, increasing vitamin D to 800 IU per day and maintaining normal weight and exercise patterns to restore hormonal balance may be helpful in preventing further bone loss. (Osteoporosis) If treatment is to be effective it is also important to identify the disease at the earliest possible stage. At present the best and most accurate technique for ascertaining bone density dual x-ray absorpitometry (DEXA). "The measurements are made by detecting the extent to which bones absorb photons that are generated by very low-level x-rays." (Osteoporosis) Diet obviously plays a crucial part in fighting this disease. There are various studies underway to find better methods of fighting this disease - this includes medicines for osteoporosis for younger people.