Alcoholism is defined by alcohol cravings, loss of control over amount of alcohol consumed, physical dependence on alcohol, and an increased tolerance for the effects of alcohol. Alcoholism is common, affecting about 17.6 million people in the United States, which is equivalent to 1 in 12 people in this country, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Among the numerous health problems caused by alcoholism is the weak bones due to a decrease in bone calcium.
Short-term Effects on Calcium
Drinking large amounts of alcohol causes an acute decrease in calcium through its effect on a hormone called parathyroid hormone, which is produced by the parathyroid gland. Drinking alcohol causes a drop in the amount of this hormone, resulting in an increase in the amount of calcium excreted in the urine by the kidneys. Because calcium is lost in the urine, the body as a whole experiences a decrease in overall calcium levels.
Long-term Effects on Calcium
Alcoholism can also cause a decrease in calcium over the long term. This long-term effect is mediated by the fact that chronic alcoholism causes a decrease in the amount of calcium directly by inhibiting absorption of this mineral, or indirectly be reducing the amount of vitamin D absorbed. Normal levels of vitamin D are critical for the normal absorption of calcium in the intestine. Therefore, too little vitamin D results in a deficiency in calcium absorption, and ultimately leads to a calcium deficiency.
Alcoholism Increases Osteoporosis Risk
The combination of short- and long-term effects that alcohol abuse has on calcium levels leads to an increased risk of the bone disease osteoporosis. This is because calcium is required to maintain strong bones, and the reduction in bone mass caused by the loss of calcium can lead to osteoporosis. In fact, alcoholism is the one of the principle risk factors for osteoporosis in men.
The Damage is Reversible
According to the National Institutes of Health, when alcoholics abstain from drinking alcohol, the alterations in calcium absorption and excretion quickly begin to recover. The best chances for full recovery of bone strength is eating a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and getting regular exercise, both of which support the growth and maintenance of strong bones. Your doctor may recommend you get a bone density test, which can determine how strong your bones are, and can diagnose osteoporosis before a painful fracture that occurs due to weak bones.
References
- NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center: What People Recovering from Alcoholism Need to Know About Osteoporosis
- Cedars-Sinai: Osteoporosis
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol Alert No. 26
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: FAQs For the General Public
