Are you likely to get osteoporosis ? Find out !

Osteoporosis is defined as 'a systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and micro architectural deterioration with consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture'. Osteoporosis is a major cause of hip fractures, broken wrists and spinal problems in those aged 50 plus. There have been a number of reports showing evidence of reduced bone mineral density, osteopenia or osteoporosis in 20-50% of patients newly diagnosed with coeliac disease (CD). The presence of overt malabsorption leads to greater bone loss, but even in asymptomatic patients, bone mineral density is significantly lower than in healthy volunteers. 'Thin' bones are, therefore, the commonest complication of CD. Since relatively few people are diagnosed with osteoporosis in time for effective therapy to be administered, the diagnosis of CD gives an opportunity for preventative action to be taken. All patients with CD should receive general advice to protect and maintain bone health. Although people with CD have a low bone mass they do not appear to have an increased fracture risk.

Who is at risk of osteoporosis?

There are many risk factors for osteoporosis including endocrine, metabolic and nutritional disorders, and drugs. Below are factors associated with an increased risk:

Gender - Women have much lower bone density than men
Race - Caucasian and people of Asian origin are at greater risk than people of African-American origin
Genetics - A family history of fracture is an important risk factors
Increasing age