Metabolic Bone Disease in Humans

A person's genetics, diet and lifestyle habits contribute to the body's bone development and function. The skeletal system relies on bone cell metabolism as well as the type and amount of nutrients present in a person's diet. Metabolic bone disease can occur as a result of aging, poor nutrition, or birth defects.

• Metabolic diseases like rickets and osteoporosis weaken bones.

Identification

• Metabolic bone disease is a condition in which the bones of the body are weak due to dietary deficiencies, or genetic defects. A lack of sunlight exposure can also weaken bone structure. Healthy bone structure and metabolism require the presence of phosphorous, calcium and vitamin D in the diet. When these minerals are lacking, a decrease in bone density can take place. Metabolic bone disease can refer to any one of a number of conditions. Osteoporosis, rickets and osteogenesis imperfecta are conditions that fall within this disease category.

Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones in the body lose their normal density. Solid bone structures become porous, and light in mass. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age. Pre-menopausal women are highly susceptible to developing low bone mass as a result of the hormonal changes that take place in the body during this time. Other conditions that can contribute to this condition are hyperthyroidism, an inactive lifestyle, nutritional deficiencies and smoking.

Rickets

• Rickets -- a childhood condition -- is a metabolic bone disease in which the bones of the body become soft. Osteomalacia is the term used in the case of adults who develop soft bones. This disease results from a vitamin D deficiency. Individuals with impaired liver function can also develop rickets, or osteomalacia.

  The osteoid matrix is a protein network in which calcium is deposited. For the bones to become hard, this network must become calcified. Individuals who have a vitamin D deficiency lack this calcification in the bones. Sunlight exposure and proper amounts of vitamin D in the diet can remedy this condition.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

• Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic metabolic bone disease that's caused by a mutation in the gene that regulates collagen production. The production of collagen is an essential material used in the formation of bone structure. Individuals who suffer from this condition have brittle bones that can easily break. When a baby is born, osteogenesis imperfecta can appear as multiple fractures along the arms and legs. Infants born with this disease have a high mortality rate. This disease can also appear as fractures in the long bones of the arms and legs in adolescence and young adulthood.

Treatment

• Treatment for metabolic bone disease varies depending on the condition. Hormone therapy is a possible treatment for pre-menopausal women who develop osteoporosis. A dietary plan that incorporates adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium can also provide bone metabolism processes with the nutrients needed to build strong bones. Regular exercise is also needed for healthy bone metabolism to take place. Prescription drug treatments can be used to slow bone loss, and in some cases replace lost bone structure. Evista and bisphosphonates are two medications used to treat metabolic bone disease.