#Silent #osteoporosis #detect #earlier
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops asymptomatically for many years. It is often called the “silent bone thief” because it does not give warning signals until it breaks. Early diagnosis and prevention are crucial to prevent serious complications and loss of function.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal disease in which there is a gradual loss of bone mass and weakening of the bone structure. As a result, the bones become brittle and more susceptible to fractures. It most often affects people over 50 years of age, especially postmenopausal women, but it may also occur in men and younger people with co-existing risk factors.
Why does osteoporosis develop “silently”?
The processes of bone formation and resorption occur throughout life. At a young age, the formation process predominates, but after approximately the age of 35, the resorption process begins to predominate. As a result, the bones gradually lose their mineral density, but this is invisible at first. The lack of sensory nerves in the bone tissue means that the disease does not hurt, and the first symptom is often a low-energy fracture – e.g. of the wrist, femoral neck or vertebrae.
Risk factors for osteoporosis
The most important risk factors include:
- age (women over 50, men over 60),
- low body weight and small bone structure,
- menopause and low estrogen levels,
- a diet low in calcium, vitamin D and protein,
- lack of physical activity,
- smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption,
- long-term use of certain medications (glucocorticosteroids, antiepileptic drugs),
- chronic diseases (hyperthyroidism, intestinal diseases, kidney diseases).
How to detect osteoporosis earlier?
1. Densitometric examination (DXA)
The gold standard in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The examination is quick, painless and uses a minimal dose of radiation. It measures bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. The result is given as a T-score – the lower it is, the greater the risk of osteoporosis.
2. Assessment of risk factors
The doctor assesses, among others: family history, comorbidities, medications used, lifestyle. A helpful tool is the FRAX calculator, which allows you to estimate the 10-year risk of fracture.
3. Laboratory tests
Although they do not diagnose osteoporosis in themselves, they can help assess calcium and phosphate metabolism and detect secondary causes of the disease. It’s worth marking:
- calcium and phosphorus levels,
- vitamin d3,
- parathyroid hormone (PTH),
- bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, CTX).
4. Regular inspections
In people from risk groups, densitometry should be repeated every 1–2 years, even if the first result was normal.
Symptoms suggesting osteoporosis – what to look out for?
Although the disease is asymptomatic, certain signals may suggest it:
- height reduction of more than 2 cm,
- rounding of the back (so-called widow’s hump),
- back pain resulting from microfractures of the vertebrae,
- fractures with minor trauma.
Osteoporosis prevention – the key to healthy bones
A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
The best sources of calcium are dairy products (yogurt, kefir, cheese), almonds, sesame, and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D is provided by the sun and oily sea fish. It is worth discussing vitamin D supplementation with your doctor, especially in autumn and winter.
Physical activity
Regular resistance exercises, Nordic walking, dancing or walking improve bone mineral density and muscle strength, reducing the risk of falls.
Lifestyle
Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine – these are factors that support bone health.
Supplementation and support from the pharmacy
dietary supplements can be a valuable addition to the prevention of osteoporosis, especially when the diet does not meet the needs. Preparations with calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2 and magnesium are available in pharmacies. Products supporting the intestinal microbiome are also playing an increasingly important role – healthy intestines promote better absorption of calcium and magnesium.
Preparations Calivita as support for bone health
On offer Calivita we will find supplements that can help prevent osteoporosis. An example is Calcium Magnesium Plus – a preparation combining calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, which are necessary to maintain proper bone mineralization. Also worth considering Pure Inulin Calivita – inulin as a prebiotic supports healthy intestinal flora, which promotes better absorption of minerals. Regular use of these preparations, combined with an appropriate diet and physical activity, can actually reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Summary
Osteoporosis develops “silently”, which is why regular densitometric tests and assessment of risk factors are so important. Early detection allows prevention and treatment to be implemented before fractures occur. Appropriate diet, exercise and supplementation (e.g. calcium magnesium Plus Whether Pure Inulin Calivita) are an effective way to maintain healthy bones for many years.
