|  | Conditions Treatments | Osteoporosis

Iron & Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become fragile and easily fractured. An excess amount of iron can be a contributing factor or cause. Iron may interfere with the cells that maintain bone structure and strength. Genetic disorders or environmental factors such as smoking can cause iron overload.

  1. About Osteoporosis

    • Osteoporosis decreases bone density. Often, there are no symptoms and a bone fracture is the first indication of osteoporosis. After a fracture occurs, a physician will usually do a bone density scan to determine if density is low. Osteoporosis has no cure, but it can be treated with medications that rebuild bone strength and density.

    Iron

    • An excess amount of iron can cause osteoporosis or low bone density. A study of 87 patients with hereditary hemochromatosis, an inherited condition that causes iron overload, showed that 25 percent had osteoporosis and 41 percent had osteopenia, or less severe low bone density. A more severe case of iron overload resulted in a lower bone density than a less severe case, showing a link between an excess of iron and low bone density.

    Bone Formation

    • Iron may suppress the formation and function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the cells responsible for maintaining bone health. Osteoclasts reabsorb bone and break it down, releasing its minerals into the bloodstream. Then, osteoblasts rebuild the bone, maintaining its strength and integrity. Iron interferes more with the function of osteoblasts, stopping new bone synthesis and formation, which can make the bones weaker and less dense.

    Excess Iron Causes

    • Some conditions such as HIV, smoking, alcoholism and menopause can increase the amount of iron in the body. Diseases such as hereditary hemochromatosis are generally behind the most severe cases of iron overload, but any disease that creates an excess of iron in the body can cause or exacerbate osteoporosis.

    Other Risk Factors

    • Older people are more likely to develop osteoporosis, and women are diagnosed four times more often than men. A family history of fragile bones or osteoporosis may also put a person at risk. Smoking and alcoholism can decrease bone density. A low-calcium diet and excessive caffeine and sodium can also be risk factors. A diet high in calcium along with an active lifestyle can help prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis - Related Articles