Nutritional Disorders of the Human Skeletal System

Nutrition is a key component in the health of all humans. A nutritional deficiency can cause many problems with the human skeletal system, especially in children whose skeletal systems are still developing. Nutritional disorders occur when an individual is not getting enough food or enough of the required nutrients, or when the body is unable to absorb those nutrients.

Causes of Nutritional Disorders

• Nutritional disorders may simply be caused by poor food choices or lack of food. However, there may be other causes of nutritional disorders. For example, certain drugs and alcohol can cause nutritional deficiency by preventing the absorption of certain nutrients. Bypass surgery is another cause because it removes part of the digestive tract, limiting the area for nutrients to be absorbed. In addition, metabolic disorders that prevent the body from processing certain nutrients or other chronic diseases may also cause nutritional disorders.

Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis is one of the most well-known bone disorders. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone deteriorates and becomes porous. One of the primary ways to prevent osteoporosis is to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. Calcium must be obtained through food such as dairy products and dark green leafy vegetables.

Rickets

• Rickets is a disease found in children that causes soft and weak bones. In is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight, or it can be taken in through one's diet.

Osteomalacia

• Osteomalacia is an adult disease that is similar to rickets in children. It is caused by a vitamin D deficiency or a disorder of vitamin D metabolism. Osteomalacia causes bones to soften, unlike osteoporosis, which causes porous bones. Treatment of osteomalacia may include supplementation of vitamin D and calcium.

Enamel Hypoplasia

• Enamel hypoplasia is a disease in which the teeth have deficient enamel. There are many possible causes of enamel hypoplasia, but poor prenatal and postnatal nutrition is one of the main causes. This can occur on one or many teeth and results in tooth sensitivity and cavities.