Fat and bone

Abstract

Nutrients are in the cornerstone position for the prevention of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and are gaining increasing relevance on the approach of cardiovascular disturbances. Conversely, only recently obesity started to be considered a threat for bone. As a consequence great interest emerged in the study of the effects of diet on bone physiology and pathology. The chapter focuses on the direct and indirect influence of fat on bone mass development and maintenance. The mechanisms of fat action on bone are discussed after a brief review of systemic effect of high-fat diet.