Nutrition as prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeleton, characterized by reduction of bone mass and concurrent deterioration of bone structure. Consequently, bones are more fragile, and there is increased risk of fractures. The potential for acquisition of maximum bone mass is influenced by a number of factors. Among those are heredity, sex, nutrition, endocrine factors, mechanical influences and some risk factors. The best documented nutrient for metabolism of bone is calcium. Major role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis have some micro and macro nutrients, prebiotics, alcohol, alternative diets, starvation and anorexia. Meta analysis of 29 randomized trials showed that supplementation with calcium and vitamin D3 reduces risk of bone fractures by 24 % and significantly reduces loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis has multi factor etiology. Osteoporosis is one of diseases which are influenced by nutrition and life style. It is preventable by means of adequate nutrition and sufficient physical activity. © 2009 Institute of Physiology v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.