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Osteoporosis and Peak Bone Mass
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Gender
Gender is one genetic factor which may account for up to 75 percent of bone mass. Before puberty, boys and girls acquire bone mass at a similar rate. Up to 90 percent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and by age 20 in boys. After puberty, men tend to acquire greater bone mass than women. Photo: Getty Images
Race
Race is the other genetic factor that accounts for a greater percentage of bone mass. For reasons unknown, African American women tend to achieve higher peak bone mass than Caucasian women. Asian American women and native American men and women show an increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Photo: Getty Images
Hormones
Estrogen affects peak bone mass. Women who begin menstruation at an early age and those who take oral contraceptives, which contain estrogen, often have high bone mineral density. Conversely, young women, who stop having a period because of extremely low body weight or excessive exercise lose a significant amount of bone density. This lose may not be recovered once a period returns. Photo: Getty Images
Nutrition
Calcium is an essential mineral needed for bone health. A calcium deficiency in a young person accounts for a five to ten percent difference in peak bone mass. This increases the risk for bone fractures, particularly, a hip fracture, in later years. In the United States, teenage girls are less likely to get enough calcium than teenage boys. It is estimated that fewer than ten percent of girls ages nine to 17 get the daily recommendation of calcium. The recommended daily allowance for calcium is 1,300 mg for boys and girls ages nine to 18. Photo: Getty Images
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity during childhood and young adulthood results in higher peak bone mass. Adults over the age of 30 can help prevent bone loss with regular exercise. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging and climbing stairs, are recommended because they force you to work against gravity. Photo: Getty Images
Lifestyle Factors
Studies indicate that high alcohol consumption is linked to low bone density and smoking has been linked to low bone density in adolescents. It is assumed that individuals who begin smoking at a younger age are more likely to become heavier smokers later in life. A long history of smoking negatively impacts bone density and increases the risk for fractures in older smokers. Photo: Getty Images
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