Why does it occur?
Bone is a living and growing tissue. Throughout life, bone is
constantly being renewed in a process called remodeling. The remodeling
process is complex but includes two main types of cells. The
osteoclasts are the bone chewing cells that remove old bone and get the
bone ready for renewal. Osteoclasts release enzymes and acids that chew
bones apart. In this process calcium, phosphorus, and other components
of the bone are released into the blood for use by the body. Osteoblast
cells are the cells responsible for building and rebuilding bone.
Bone
building occurs when more bone is laid down than removed. Bone mass is
maintained when bone formation equals bone removal. Bone loss occurs
when more bone is removed than replaced.
Think
of your bones as a bank account in which you "deposit" and "withdraw"
calcium throughout life. Calcium is a mineral that makes bone dense
(thick) and strong. During childhood, the teen years and early
adulthood you build your bone bank. The skeleton grows and bones become
larger, denser, and stronger especially when you practice bone healthy
actions.
Peak bone mass, defined as the maximum bone density
you will ever have, is largely determined by your genetics. Peak bone
mass is reached between 16 and 25 years of age. In youth and young
adulthood, consuming enough calcium each day, getting enough vitamin D,
participating in regular exercise, as well as taking the other bone
healthy actions are necessary in order to reach peak bone mass.
People
who attain higher peak bone mass have larger and heavier bones and are
less likely to get osteoporosis later in life. After age 25, bone
healthy actions help maintain bone mass. Throughout your life, if your
diet is too low in calcium, your body will "withdraw" the
calcium it needs from your bone bank. Over time, if more calcium is
taken out of your bones than is put in, the result may be thin, weak
bones (osteoporosis). In your senior years, usually after age 70,
weak bones may break more easily during normal activities.
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