Osteoporosis & Maximizing Bone Density Term Paper

Total Length: 1160 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

Page 1 of 4

5 SD below Osteoporosis > 2.5 SD below Severe osteoporosis and fragility fracture > 2.5 SD below BMD = bone mineral density; SD = standard deviation

Beck and Shoemaker (2000) state that "calcium consumption alone is not considered adequate protection against osteoporosis" however calcium does play "an important role in the prevention and management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. " Optimal calcium intake as stated by the National Institutes of Health are those stated for the age and intake as follows:

Hormone Status Age in Years Recommended Daily Calcium Intake (mg)

Premenopausal 11-24 1,400

Premenopausal 25-50 1,000

Premenopausal, pregnant

or lactating 25-50 1,400

Postmenopausal, taking

Estrogen 65 1,500

Calcium intake effectiveness is dependent upon the proper levels of calcium being absorbed by the human body. Vitamin D must be present in the body in sufficient levels in order for the body to absorb calcium. Sunlight results in the synthesis of vitamin D in the body however, even after exposure to sunlight, as the age of the individual increases the body's ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases. Beck and Shoemaker (2000) state that the adequate daily intake of vitamin D for the different ages of the individual are as follows:

Age Daily Vitamin D Intake

Age 50-200 IU (5 micrograms)

Age 51-70-400 IU (10 micrograms)

71+ 600 IU (15 micrograms)

Also important to combat osteoporosis is estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and as well bisphosphonates including: (1) alendronate sodium; (2) etidronate disodium; (3) pamidronate disodium; and (4) risedronate sodium, also decrease bone resorbption. Of these, alendronate is stated to show the "greatest efficacy in increasing BMD and preventing fractures and is the only FDA-approved bisphosphate for osteoporosis.

Stuck Writing Your "Osteoporosis & Maximizing Bone Density" Term Paper?

" (Beck and Shoemaker, 2000) Prevention dose is stated at 5 mg and treatment of established osteoporosis dosage is stated at 10 mg.

The work of Hellekson (2002) states that a consensus statement released by the National Institutes of Health states that Although residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are at particularly high risk of osteoporosis-related fracture, men and women experience an age-related decline in bone mineral density (BMD) starting in midlife. Women experience more rapid bone loss in the early years after menopause, which places them at earlier risk for fractures. An important risk factor in men is hypogonadism. Men and perimenopausal women with osteoporosis more commonly experience secondary osteoporosis than do postmenopausal women." (Hellekson, 2002) Hellekson additionally states: "The bone mass attained early in life is perhaps the most important determinant of lifelong skeletal health. Individuals with the highest peak bone mass after adolescence have the greatest protective advantage. Nutrition, exercise, gonadal steroids, and growth hormone and body composition all play a role in bone density. Building good eating habits early in life is important. In particular, getting enough calcium and vitamin D is crucial. Exercise, particularly resistance-based and high-impact exercise, is also beneficial because it helps increase bone density. In addition, sex steroids (estrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I) secreted during puberty substantially increase BMD and peak bone mass." (2002) Conclusions related to osteoporosis stated by the National Institutes of Health include the following: (1) Osteoporosis occurs in all populations at all ages; (2) Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are crucial to develop optimal peak bone mass and to preserve bone.....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Osteoporosis & Maximizing Bone Density" (2008, December 14) Retrieved May 19, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/osteoporosis-maximizing-bone-density-73991

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Osteoporosis & Maximizing Bone Density" 14 December 2008. Web.19 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/osteoporosis-maximizing-bone-density-73991>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Osteoporosis & Maximizing Bone Density", 14 December 2008, Accessed.19 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/osteoporosis-maximizing-bone-density-73991