Alcohol
Can alcohol consumption affect my bone health?
Alcohol can affect almost every organ in your body. Chronic
and heavy drinking (alcohol abuse) clearly increases the risk of
osteoporosis for both men and women. It is an important one of the
many risk factor for osteoporosis. It is also important to assess
other risk factors for osteoporosis (besides alcohol consumption)
by using the appropriate NYSOPEP Risk Assessment. "Osteoporosis
Risk Assessment for Pre-menopausal Women", for "Post-menopausal Women", or
for "Men".
How does chronic alcohol consumption affect bone health?
There are many reasons why long-term heavy drinking is bad for
bones. Some of the ways alcohol can affect bone health is that:
- It interferes with the bone building cells known as osteoblasts.
In fact, excessive alcohol intake may decrease the amount
of osteoblast cells and interfere with their ability to form bone.
- It can cause liver damage that can interfere with the way the body
uses nutrients including calcium and vitamin D, two nutrients that
are essential for healthy bones.
Does long term excessive use of alcohol increase the risk for fractures
(broken bones)?
Long term and excessive use of alcohol may affect balance and
gait. This can increase the risk for falling. There is an increased
risk for fracture related to the trauma from accidental falls that
may occur as a result of heavy alcohol consumption. It is well documented
that long-term excessive alcohol intake increases the risk for hip
fracture.
How does occasional drinking affect bone health?
According to several studies, moderate alcohol intake may actually
be beneficial for bone health, especially in post-menopausal women.
Most of the studies that showed a bone benefit defined moderate alcohol
intake as 1 to 2 drinks per day. In fact, moderate alcohol intake has
been associated with higher bone mass and reduced risk for vertebral
deformity. It is not known why this happens and it is still being studied.
All of the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption on other organs
including the heart, breast, brain, liver, and pancreas, as well as
the potential for abuse, should be discussed with your medical professional.
For certain populations such as recovering alcoholics, pregnant women,
and underage youth, alcohol intake is detrimental for overall health.
Links:
New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
Services - http://web2k.oasas.state.ny.us/oasas/public.cfm
Alcoholics Anonymous - http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/
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