Osteoporosis: Its pediatric causes and prevention opportunities

Abstract

Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease in western societies, and is characterized by a reduction of bone mass leading to the increased susceptibility to fractures. With increases in life expectancy and in the number of elderly people, bone loss and fractures are becoming more common in the United States and throughout the world. As a consequence, an epidemic of bone fractures among the elderly is expected. In this respect, it is obvious that the emphasis should be on the development of strategies for maximizing bone gain and preventing bone loss and subsequent osteoporosis. This paper discusses the concepts that are the foundation for primary prevention of osteoporosis: the measures that should be implemented during childhood and adolescence, with the goal of optimizing bone mass in young adulthood. Some important concepts, such as peak bone mass and calcium intake threshold, as well as the original studies of adolescent females and their bone mass acquisition are presented. It becomes clear that osteoporosis could have its roots during growth, and it should be treated as such. Teenagers should therefore be targeted as a population at risk, and preventive measures should be implemented by means of adequate calcium intake, proper diet, and exercise programs aimed at increasing peak bone mass.