Bone Accretion
Bone accretion refers to the rapid increase in bone mass which occurs during the late childhood and puberty stage. At least half of the bone calcium is accumulated during this period. Any impairment in the natural process of bone accretion can lead to serious problems like risks of osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones more prone to fracture. Bone accretion can be determined by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors.
Intrinsic Factors Affecting Bone Accretion
Intrinsic factors include family history, genetic structure and ethnicity. People with a family history of diseases affecting bones like osteoporosis show a slow bone accretion rate. Genetic factors determine bone accretion rate in at least 60% of the cases. They include defectively encoded genes which impede absorbing vitamin D, producing estrogen and other growth factors. Ethnic factors are determined by race. For example, Africans have a higher bone accretion rate and lower risk for bone fractures.
Extrinsic Factors Affecting Bone Accretion
Extrinsic factors include specific diseases, intake of calcium, and intake of vitamin D, hormonal changes and transplants of all type.
Lack of Calcium
Lack of calcium is a major cause for decreased bone accretion. It has been pointed out that 1300 mg of elemental calcium is required for children in the age group of 9-18. Dairy products are a major source of dietary calcium. Places with a lower intake of dairy products are also marked by a decreased rate of bone accretion among people.
Lack of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of calcium and directly aids in bone accretion. Recommended rate of Vitamin D for normal bone accretion is 400 IU. Vitamin D is also absorbed directly from sunlight. Poor exposure to sun light and lack of a nutritious diet can impede bone mineral density.
Hormonal Factors
Hormones like androgen in men and estrogen in women have an ability to preserve bone mass and mitigate the decrease in bone mineral density due to aging. Estrogen replacement is a usual strategy for preserving or increasing the bone density in young women affected by diseases like anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder marked by a fear of weight gain.
Dietary Factors
Disordered eating habits and non-nutritious fast food can adversely affect bone accretion. It has been shown that disordered eating habit is one of the causes for the female athletic triad, a disease characterized by decreased bone mineral density and common among female athletes.
Transplants
Immunosuppressive therapy of organ transplants results in loss of bone density. It includes kidney, liver or heart transplantation and bone marrow therapy.
Specific Diseases
There are various diseases affecting bone accretion and bone mineral density. They include the following:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Female athletic triad
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic renal failure
- Cystic fibrosis
- Over secretion of parathyroid hormones
- Tumors of bones.
Steps to Accelerate Bone Accretion
Bone accretion can be accelerated by the following means:
- Taking nutritional food
- Keeping a healthy dietary habit
- Doing exercise
- Maintaining a good body-mass ratio.
In short steps to accelerate bone accretion should be started in the child hood itself. A balanced diet and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining bone mineral density.
Source: liebertonline.com