Introduction
Osteoporosis refers to a bone disease that predisposes bones to a high risk of fracture due to a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) (Arden 34). It is caused by deterioration of bone microarchitecture and a change in quantities of proteins in bones. Factors that predispose people to the disease include age, low levels of sex hormones in the body, low body weight, gender, certain medications, and smoking (Arden 36). The disease does not show any symptoms. The disease is discovered after bone fractures. Treatment remedies include administration of vitamin D and calcium, regular physical exercise, and medication.
Bone formation
Two of the most important aspects of bone development include bone resorption and bone formation (Arden 37). Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance in the two aspects. In normal and healthy bones, matrix remodeling does not change, and bone remodeling takes place at any given time (Cooper and Woolf 57). This process occurs in special regions known as bone multicellular units (BMUs). Changes in quantities of vitamin D, calcium, and proteins in the body affect the process of bone formation.
Stages of osteoporosis
Before the development of osteoporosis, bones undergo several stages. These include inadequate bone mass, a high rate of resorption, and inadequate formation of bone mass (Cooper and Woolf 63). The combination of these three stages leads to the formation of fragile bone tissues that are prone to osteoporosis. Bone mass reduces due to an increase in the ratio between air pockets and bone material (Cooper and Woolf 65). An increase in air pockets results in to decrease in bone mass. This results in a condition known as osteopenia. Hormones play an important role in controlling the process of resorption.
For example, the lack of estrogen in women due to menopause affects the process significantly. Lack of estrogen increases the rate of bone resorption and interferes with the deposition of new bone mass during the process of remodeling (Cooper and Woolf 67). Hormones also play important roles in the process of bone turnover. The deficiency of elements such as calcium and vitamin D alters the process of bone deposition thus acting as a risk factor for osteoporosis (Cooper and Woolf 68).
On the other hand, the presence of low calcium amounts in bones stimulates the parathyroid glands to secrete parathyroid hormone. This hormone speeds up the process of bone resorption to raise the quantities of calcium in the blood. In addition, the thyroid secretes a hormone known as calcitonin that plays an important role in bone deposition together with other hormones (Cooper and Woolf 71).
How lack of milk causes osteoporosis
Milk is a major source of calcium for the body. Therefore, a lack of milk decreases the levels of calcium in the body. During growth, the body breaks down old bones and produces new bones through a process known as remodeling. This process requires calcium to make new bones. Research has shown that calcium that is absorbed by the body from milk is important in raising bone mineral density (Orwoll and Bliziotes 47). However, research has also shown that high quantities of calcium have long-term effects on bones. In most cases, the levels of BMD are increased by increasing calcium intake. This can be achieved by drinking milk, which is rich in calcium.
Calcium serves two functions in preventing osteoporosis. First, it increases bone mineral density. Secondly, it increases the strength of bones thus reducing predisposition to fractures (Orwoll and Bliziotes 48). Calcium is necessary for promoting calcification of bone matrix that improves bone strength and thus reduces the occurrence of osteoporosis (Orwoll and Bliziotes 49). Low calcium level has severe effects on bones. Bones age slowly and are weak due to low bone mineral density. Therefore, increasing calcium intake increases bone mineral density and makes bones stronger. Research has shown that bones contain approximately 99% of the total quantity of calcium in the body.
This calcium helps to keep bones strong and maintain bone mass (Orwoll and Bliziotes 51). Calcium is most important during remodeling and bone degradation. It is recommendable to increase calcium intake during adolescent years and to lower calcium intake during later years. This is because excessive intake or accumulation of calcium in bones presents a risk factor for osteoporosis. After all, it reduces the action of osteoblasts (Orwoll and Bliziotes 53).
Conclusion
Osteoporosis refers to a bone disease characterized by a high risk of bone fractures due to a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). The disease is difficult to detect because it is only evident when a bone fracture. Factors that predispose people to the disease include age, low levels of sex hormones in the body, low body weight, gender, certain medications, and smoking. Before the development of osteoporosis, bones undergo several stages.
These include inadequate bone mass, a high rate of resorption, and a low rate of remodeling. Calcium is an important component in the prevention of osteoporosis. It increases bone strength by increasing bone mineral density. It is usually obtained by an adequate intake of milk. Treatment remedies include administration of vitamin D and calcium, regular physical exercise, and medication.
Works Cited
Arden, Nigel. Osteoporosis. New York: Remedica, 2006. Print.
Cooper, Cyrus, and Woolf Anthony. Osteoporosis: Best Practice and Research Compendium. New York: Elsevier Science Health Science Division, 2006. Print.
Orwoll, Eric, and Bliziotes, Michael. Osteoporosis: Pathophysiology and Clinical Management. New York: Human Press, 2011. Print.