Do you know what is the role of Vitamin D to prevent Osteoporosis? Before throwing light on this, let’s take a look what Osteoporosis is all about.

Osteoporosis is basically a bone related condition develops after the density of bone (bone mass) decreases. When this happens, it makes them brittle and weak.

The condition develops slowly as the age progresses. And so, the greatest risk of developing Osteoporosis builds when a persons attains 50 years of age.

According to the latest announcement by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) worldwide, 1 in 3 women are bound to experience osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime. The data says over 61% osteoporosis fractures occur in women.

Now, the question arises how to prevent the occurance of Osteoporosis. In order to enhance bone density, you require vitamin D supplementation.

Please note that Vitamin D happens to be the key nutrient for bone health and helps maintain the correct mineralization of bone.

 

Why Women More Prone to osteoporosis?

Women have thinner and smaller bones as compared to men. Other than that, oestrogen (hormone) that essentially protects bones starts decreasing when they attain menopause.

Asa woman ages, the level of oestrogen decreases and so the density of bone decreases as well.

In addition to the above, family history of osteoporosis also makes an impact which generally makes a person at greater risk of developing the condition.

There are some other risk factors involved that include less physical activity, eating disorders, chronic diseases, excessive smoking or alcohol, and low calcium diet.

 

Osteoporosis Symptoms

Osteoporosis is also called a silent bone condition. It’s because there are cases where it progresses without showing any sign or symptoms like pain.

The symptoms include fragility to fractures, hunched posture, and back pain.

 

Role of vitamin D to Prevent Osteoporosis

The main reason why vitamin D is essential in maintaining bone density is that it absorbs calcium from from the food. As the calcium intake progresses, it tends to improve the bon density.

It has been found that both calcium and vitamin D are necessary to build stronger bones in women, especially after menopause. In the same way, it also helps preventing other conditions like rickets.

If you are looking forward to increase your vitamin D intake, you must know the ideal quantity. s per international standards, a person taking the dose of vitamin D should not be less than 700-800 IU per day.

If you like to get vitamin D naturally, then sunlight is the best source. A person is advised to stay outdoors for at least 10 minutes in the morning to get enough vitamin D.

Side Effects of Vitamin D

If you take vitamin D in proper amount, it can be safe and helpful for the growth and development of your bones.

But too much vitamin D is harmful which can lead to kidney and heart problems, high blood pressure, pain in your bones.

Osteoporosis In Pregnancy

There are cases when women develop osteoporosis during pregnancy.

When it happens, the mother lose some bone mass mainly because of the baby’s increase demends of calcium as it is drawn from the mother’s bones.

The lost bone mass is generally restored after childbirth.

 

Does Breastfeeding Affect Bone Density?

Just like pregnancy, breastfeeding is also known to create temporary bone loss. It’s mainly because during lactation, oestrogen levels are lower and that affects calcium absorption.

However, bone mass recovers with time and is not responsible for the long term bone health.

Due to the above, it is advised for all nursing and pregnant mothers to take Vitamin D and calcium rich diet.

 

How Osteoporosis Diagnosed & Treated?

In order to check and diagnose osteoporosis, you need to go through a bone density check. It’s also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

There are certain medications known to increase bone mass. In order to increase bone density, a person is advised to take a balanced diet and undergo loads of physical activity.

 

How to Prevent Osteoporosis?

A woman has to go through with the loss of bone mass after she attains menopause where she undergoes many changes in her body. Some of these changes are related at hormonal levels (oestrogen) which tends to reduce with age.

The hormone is known to increase the bone mass among women. And when this homrmone level decreases, it leads to the condition called Osteoporosis.

Other than that a person is also advised to take a balanced diet and stay away from smoking. If in doubt, you can go ahead with regular checkups and consultations from orthopedic doctors.

 

Also Read: Male Runners At Poor Bone Health Are At the Risk of Having Fractures

 

 

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