Introduction

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is prevalent in the female population. The costs to both the individuals inflicted with it and the medical field are astronomical, considering that the disease is almost entirely preventable. It is now considered a major women’s’ public health issue, and the topic of much research to date. The following literature review will document some of the history, background, and latest research focusing on this bone disease. To conclude the assessment, an overview will be conducted on two intervention methods that focus on the prevention and/or maintenance of osteoporosis.

The Definition of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common of the metabolic bone diseases, and literally means “porous bones” (Sanborn, 1990). The three areas of the human body that are most susceptible to this disease are the wrist, hip, and spine.
The human skeleton is made of 20% bone that resembles a honeycombed appearance, called cancellous, or trabecular bone. The remaining 80% is much more dense matter, known as cortical bone. Bone undergoes a continuous remodeling process throughout the life span, of resorption and formation (Sanborn, 1990). Peak bone mass (PBM) is reached by humans in the early to mid thirties (Sanborn, 1990; Carrie Fassler & Bonjour, 1995), and so reaching the maximum PBM is ideal for reducing fractures in the later stages of life. Women especially are susceptible to these fractures; at age 80 a women will have lost approximately 47% of trabecular bone mass compared to the male of the same age, who will lose only 14% (Notelovitz & Ware, 1985). During menopause, women lose cortical bone at an accelerated rate, accounting for a 10-15% reduction in cortical bone mass loss (Genant, Baylink, and Gallagher, 1989). This is mainly associated with the loss of estrogen once menopause occurs. This is one reason why the disease remains a woman’s health issue.

To read the rest of this 22 page report: click here to download the PDF

Yours in Health and Wellness
Lindy Kennedy, BSc., MSc., Registered Dietitian

Back to Resource Article Index