Osteoporosis is a bone illness characterized by the weakening of the bone mass
with alteration in the microarchitecture of the bones which causes a higher
bone weakness causing a higher possibility of fracture.
Bone recuperation (formation and re-absorption) is a continuous restoration
process of the bone which prevents the accumulation of lesions and fatigue and
helps to adapt the mechanical needs of the moment. Its equilibrium helps to
constantly preserve the skeletal bone mass.
Osteoporosis is produced by an unbalance between the formation and re-absorption
of the bone, mainly in the latter, with the influence of different factors in
the bones change.
Amongst these factors the following arise:
Genetic factors.
Hormonal factors.
Nutritional factors.
Local factors.
Osteoporosis is not symptomatic; fractures appear suddenly. These are caused
by a slight traumatism or spontaneously. They can affect any bone presenting
symptoms according to the affected part. Mostly they are the vertebrae, those of
the radius, the neck of the femur, the hip and humerus.
The risk factors are:
Sex: more frequently among women.
Age: starting at 35.
Race: Mostly amongst the white race.
Disease: Hyper parathyroid
Direct family background:
Low intake of calcium, inadequate intake of vitamin D.
Excessive consumption of tobacco.
Excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee (more than 3 cups a day)
Sedentary life
Low sun exposure.
Very thin, Obese.
Null parity
Medication
Now we have come to the most important point regarding to osteoporosis which
is prevention.
This process should be implemented from childhood up to 30 years of age:
Do not go on diets high in proteins, do not abuse vegetarian diets (due to the
high content of oxalates), no excessive consumption of sodium.
From a point of view of nutrition the best prevention measures are the
adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D in natural form which should be
priority objectives from the beginning of childhood.
It has been proven that the diet rich in calcium maintains a peak of bone
mass even though it is not certain that it can be increased and significantly
reduces the incidence of fractures.
It is also a known fact that a diet rich in vitamin D together with an
adequate sun exposure is fundamental for a correct intestinal absorption of
calcium.
Adequate intake of calcium by ages:
