BONE FRAGILITY:
Bone fragility is a condition characterized by alterations in the bone structure , which lead to a reduction in resistance to mechanical loading and an increased risk of fractures.
It is estimated that in Italy, women are mainly affected by this condition, with a ratio of 1: 3 over the age of 50 ; for those over 60, there are almost five million of those who deal with bone fragility and are exposed to the risk of fractures.
The emergency in progress has worsened the scenario also on this front, with postponed checks, suspended therapies and difficulties in visits with specialists. However, staying informed about proper prevention can help sufferers slow down the weakening of the skeleton and increase in bone fragility.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES:
At the basis of skeletal fragility there may be a physiological degradation of the bone tissue or certain conditions, such as hormonal changes or some pathologies that are indirectly the cause.
The primary form is also defined as postmenopausal , when directly triggered by an estrogen deficiency , and senile if associated with common aging processes.
In addition to these two main causes, smoking , alcohol , coffee , a diet lacking in calcium (contained above all in vegetables, in milk) represent important risk factors for bone fragility and, in the most important cases, for osteoporosis. and derivatives), sedentary lifestyle and early menopause.
SYMPTOMS:
The most common symptom is fragility fractures : these are fractures caused by a relatively minor effort or fall , such as a fall from a standing or sitting position, which would not normally cause the fracture of healthy bone. Fragility fractures usually occur in the upper part of the forearm bone (radius) or the upper end of the femur, but other bones such as the humerus or pelvic bones may be affected.
Hip fracture, one of the most severe types of fracture, is also a major cause of disability and loss of independence for the elderly, as are the often displaced wrist fractures, so common in women with bone fragility that occurs after menopause. .
WHY WOMEN ARE THE MOST AFFECTED:
In women, bone density progressively increases until around the age of 30, when the bones are at their strongest. After this period, it gradually decreases, reaching a minimum after menopause, which occurs on average around the age of 51. In fact , estrogen deficiency increases the incidence of bone depletion and causes a rapid loss of calcium and phosphorus.
Most men over the age of 50 have higher estrogen levels than postmenopausal women, although they also have a decline in estrogen due to aging. The loss of bone density can be even greater if there is insufficient calcium or vitamin D intake.
HOW TO PREVENT:
One of the cornerstones of prevention is maintaining a correct lifestyle, characterized by a balanced diet , regular physical activity and abstention from alcohol and smoking .
It is important to eliminate or reduce conditions that can promote falls ,
This is usually a condition that can be effectively prevented by managing risk factors and ensuring an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
Bones contain minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, which make them strong and compact. To maintain adequate bone density, the body requires an adequate supply of calcium and must produce various hormones in the right quantities, such as parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, estrogen and testosterone. An adequate amount of vitamin D is required to absorb calcium from food and deposit it in the bones.
Low levels of the latter can cause calcium deficiency and increase parathyroid activity, causing excessive release of parathyroid hormone, which can in turn promote bone depletion.
For this reason, especially if you do not love or for particular reasons, you cannot expose yourself to the sun in order to promote the synthesis of vitamin D, or if you are unable to introduce sufficient quantities of it with your diet, you can integrate it with specific products.
There are supplementary solutions, such as Alkavita Calcio Mix Supergastro , which ensure a correct intake of calcium, calcium phosphate and vitamin D to promote the well-being of the bones and prevent the effects of wear and aging.