How many types of osteoporosis are there?
There are 2 types of osteoporosis:
- Primary osteoporosis: This type is mostly found in postmenopausal women and the elderly. Naturally, around the age of 50 or when women reach menopause, bone mass gradually decreases. Although osteoporosis can occur in anyone, it is most commonly found and requires special attention in the elderly
- Secondary osteoporosis: This type of osteoporosis is caused by various diseases or certain medications. It can occur at any age, from children to adults
Is osteoporosis a hereditary disease?
Osteoporosis is partly caused by genetics. For instance, if there is a history of hip fractures in parents, their children are at high risk of hip fractures as well. It can be said that 40% of osteoporosis cases are due to genetic factors, leading to rapid bone loss. The other approximately 50% – 60% of osteoporosis cases are caused by environmental factors, such as lack of exercise, insufficient calcium or vitamin D intake, and certain chronic illnesses. Therefore, osteoporosis is a combination of genetics and environmental factors, not just purely genetic.
What is hereditary osteoporosis like?
Hereditary osteoporosis involves several genes, such as genes related to collagen production and those that stimulate bone resorption. It is not caused by a single gene that can be eliminated. Hence, current treatments include taking calcium, vitamin D, exercising, and using osteoporosis medications suitable for each individual. Individual assessment is also necessary, as a single test cannot determine one’s risk level for osteoporosis.
Is it true that taking calcium daily guarantees that bones won’t become brittle?
Calcium is a vital mineral for bones, making them strong. Insufficient calcium intake in the elderly increases the risk of osteoporosis because it is an age when bone resorption is high, and calcium is excreted from the body in large amounts. Therefore, it is essential to consume adequate calcium. However, consuming calcium alone does not guarantee protection against osteoporosis if the patient has high rates of bone resorption and calcium excretion. Thus, appropriate osteoporosis medications must be taken along with adequate calcium intake
What is the recommended calcium intake for each age group?
Calcium is an essential mineral, and the recommended intake varies by age group:
- Children: Since their bones are smaller, the daily calcium intake is less than that of adults, at 600 milligrams per day
- Adults: For those aged 30 and above, calcium intake may not help significantly because bone mass has already peaked. However, to prevent further bone resorption, a recommended intake is 600 milligrams per day
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: They need to consume more calcium to meet their body’s needs, at a recommended 1,200 milligrams per day
- Elderly: They should supplement calcium as bone mass starts to deteriorate, with a recommended intake of 800 – 1,000 milligrams per day, depending on body weight and physical condition
Is sunbathing for vitamin D effective in preventing osteoporosis?
Vitamin D is crucial in preventing and treating osteoporosis. The body receives vitamin D from strong sunlight, which is the best way to enable the skin to produce vitamin D. When sunlight hits the skin, a vitamin D precursor under the skin is converted to vitamin D by the sun. The optimal time to get vitamin D is from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and the sunlight should directly touch the skin. For the elderly, whose skin might be more sensitive, it is recommended to take vitamin D supplements or medications which are readily available in the market
Is falling necessary for osteoporosis to cause fractures?
Falls are a primary cause of fractures, especially in the elderly. However, it is not necessary to fall every time to cause a fracture. Spinal fractures can occur without falling, often due to the body’s weight or bone collapse from osteoporosis, which can happen gradually or without any fall history. Therefore, fractures from falls typically do not affect the spine but other parts like hips, wrists, or arms.
