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But fact differs from fiction: one third of all fractured hips and vertebrae due to osteoporosis happens in men. Until recently, scientists attributed almost all cases of osteoporosis in men to some or other underlying illness (like elevated cortisone levels, intestinal diseases affecting the absorption of calcium and Vitamin D, excessive calcium loss with or without kidney stones and cancer).
New international research data now disregards this notion: in one third of all males with osteoporosis, the only underlying factor is an unhealthy lifestyle. With osteopororis increasing at a faster rate than expected, it becomes apparent that even healthy bones can be gained by a healthy lifestyle.
Why osteoporosis in men?
Osteoporosis is associated with decreased bone mass and quality, decreased muscle power and an increased tendency to fall. Although the process of bone loss is not fatal, the resulting medical cost and immobility due to fractures can have a significant impact on your life.
Bone loss follows when the fine balance between two processes – depositing new bone tissue and reabsorption of old bone cells – are out of tune. New bone tissue can be deposited too slowly or older bone re-absorbed too rapidly. Osteoporosis in men is the result of a decreased depositing of new bone tissue. The onset is usually in the early 40s when testosterone levels might start decreasing.
According to Dr Magda Conradie, a consultant at the Tygerberg Hospital Metabolic Unit, in South Africa, osteoporosis in women can be linked to increased reabsorption of bone tissue from decreased oestrogen levels. The onset in men is 10 to 15 years later than in females because men have more skeletal bone to lose. Small wonder that small, lean men are more prone to osteoporosis than heavy-set men with big frames.
Lifestyle factors and prevention
Several factors are associated with age-related osteoporosis in men:
- A genetic predisposition.
- Lowered levels of androgen/testosterone usually in tandem with small testes.
- Not enough physical activity.
- Smoking.
- Drinking.
- Low calcium intake.
- Deficient absorption of calcium.
- Decreased levels of Vitamin D.
Better your bones
Lack of physical activity and exercise lead to decreased muscle power and a higher tendency to fall. Walking, cycling or swimming 30 to 40 minutes at least three times a week is recommended. Weight-bearing exercise will strengthen the muscles.
Insufficient intake or absorption of calcium results in bone loss. Men 30-50 years need 1000mg calcium daily; men older than
50 need 1200mg calcium per day; men younger than 50 need 200 international units (IU) of Vitamin D per day, and men older than
50 need 400-600 IU Vitamin D daily.
Symptoms of bone loss were present in at least 25 tot 50 % of patients with a high alcohol intake. Four drinks daily lead to bone loss as a result of the inhibition of new bone deposits as well as lowered testosterone levels in both older and younger males. Alcohol intake also increases the tendency to fall.
