The bones of the human body are in constant action. Beyond giving the body its form and protecting internal organs, bones have their own set of building processes, in which their formations are regenerated through bone-building cells. Additionally, bones store calcium, and when levels of this mineral are low in the bloodstream, the body takes it from the bone to resupply the circulatory system. Because of these processes, nutrition plays an important role in maintaining the overall health of bones.
Identification
Metabolic bone disease occurs when a condition obstructs the bones' normal metabolic processes. The disease may interfere with the composition of the bones, their ability to exchange minerals with the bloodstream or their capacity to rebuild themselves. Metabolic bone diseases typically affect the entire skeletal system as opposed to one individual bone. Nutrition is often directly related to metabolic bone disease, as the cause of some types of diseases can occur as a result of inadequate intake of vitamins or minerals.
Deficiency
One of the most common forms of metabolic bone disease is osteoporosis. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, primary, age-related osteoporosis frequently occurs among older women when changes in hormone levels coincide with the results of years of dietary and lifestyle choices. Osteoporosis occurs when bone density diminishes, becoming more porous and prone to fractures. The condition can partly be caused by some nutritional deficiencies, such as low calcium intake or high levels of phosphorus in the diet, both of which are necessary for bone formation. Rickets is another form of metabolic bone disease that results from a deficiency of vitamin D and appears as bone deformities. A diet that contains calcium, such as that found in milk and cheese, as well as vitamin D, found in foods such as salmon and sardines, can help reduce the risk of developing these metabolic bone diseases.
Genetic
Some types of metabolic bone diseases occur as genetic conditions. An example of this is osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare disorder that causes brittle bones that are easily fractured. Babies born with this condition may have multiple bone fractures at a very young age and must be closely monitored. Although people with OI do not develop better bone structure by taking in more calcium, a healthy diet is still important. Avoiding excess weight gain puts less stress on the bones and allows for greater levels of activity. Nutritional deficiencies can also exist; for example, patients may have little appetite due to the pain of many fractures.
Prematurity
Some babies who are born prematurely are at risk of developing metabolic bone disease because of several factors, including nutritional deficiencies. Babies born several weeks early may start oral feedings later to reduce stress on other body systems. Additionally, a premature baby may be born before a lot of bone growth that occurs during the third trimester has a chance to take place. This results in low bone mass, a condition known as osteopenia, which can result in fractures. To avoid this condition, preterm babies may need supplemental calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus added to their diets, particularly if they are unable to tolerate oral feedings.
References
- U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General: Bone Health and Osteoporosis
- "Italian Journal of Pediatrics"; Metabolic Bone Disease in preterm newborn: an update on nutritional issues; Valentina Bozzetti and Paolo Tagliabue; 2009
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation: OI Issues: Nutrition
- Medical Pathology; Metabolic Bone Diseases; Robert C. Mellors, M.D., Ph.D.
