Int J Family Med Prim Care | Volume 1, Issue 1 | Review Article | Open Access

Osteoporosis - A Childhood Illness?

Miroslav Stránský* and Věra Radomská

Department of Public Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czechia

*Correspondance to: Miroslav Stránský 

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Abstract

Osteoporosis is a multifactor illness of the bone mass, the risk of which can be decreased by adequate nutrition and lifestyle. The prevention must start in childhood, because in this period, the bone mass formation is very intense, and reaching the peak bone mass is a necessary basis for the ideal bone density at older age. Most recommendations are related to all age groups. In different life periods, the reasons for osteoporosis are different. The ideal intake of calcium and the vitamins D and K is an important factor in primary and secondary prevention. Various studies associate low levels of vitamin D in the blood with increased mortality and many illnesses. The goal is reaching the values of >50 nmol/l (>20 ng/ml) of 25-OH-D3 concentration in the blood serum. When there is a risk of falls and fractures, the goal is >75 nmol/l (>30 ng/ml). The supplementation in patients with osteoporosis and elderly people does not require measuring blood level, because a low concentration of 25-OHD 3 in these people is common. A monthly supplementation of 600 μg of vitamin D3 (20 μg/per day) led to the best results in fall and fracture prevention. Many nutrition substances can increase or decrease calcium absorption and urinary excretion. The intestines and kidneys are able to absorb it up to a certain level and regulate calcium metabolism by the needs of the organism. Other food nutrients – vitamins B6, B12, folic acid, vitamin C, proteins, fats, phytates, oxalates, common salt and others – play an important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. The risk factors include body weight, eating disorders, alternative forms of nutrition, alcohol, smoking and a lack of movement. The right nutrition is recommended to include the regular intake of adequate milk and dairy products, prebiotics, fatty fish, some vegetables, mineral water, and the restriction of salt intake, oxalates, phytates, alcoholic beverages as well as nicotine abstinence. Regular movement plays an important role, not only in the prevention of osteoporosis, but in fall and fracture prevention as well.

Keywords:

Osteoporosis; Metabolism; Risk factors; Nutrition; Prevention

Citation:

Stránský M, Radomská V. Osteoporosis - A Childhood Illness?. Int J Fam Med Prim Care. 2018; 1(1): 1001.

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