Tackling bone fragility with BIA
A powerful tool for early diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis
As defined by the World Health Organization, osteopenia and osteoporosis are skeletal alterations characterised by reduced bone tissue density resulting in increased bone fragility. The body areas that are most affected by loss of bone density are the hips, thoracic and lumbar spine, wrists and shoulders. Whereas in the past osteopenia and osteoporosis used to prevalently affect elderly females, these diseases are now increasingly diagnosed also in males and relatively young patients.
Focus on prevention
As bone density loss is generally an asymptomatic process, early diagnosis is crucial to ensure successful treatment. Specific tests like bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) enable osteopenia and osteoporosis to be diagnosed in their early stages.
By measuring the patient’s tendency towards bone mineral loss, this simple test allows possible causes of bone tissue reabsorption to be identified and addressed, and preventive therapeutic strategies to be implemented even before bone fragility sets in.
Today, osteopenia and osteoporosis can be prevented and cured by means of a holistic strategy that relies on simple, non-invasive tests for early diagnosis, balanced nutrition and daily intake of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, as well as physical exercise appropriate to the patient’s age and health conditions.
Our guidelines for effective prevention
· Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
· Exercise regularly
· Ensure adequate intake of calcium and magnesium
· Limit salt consumption
· Boost vitamin D production by taking a minimum of 10 minutes of sun exposure daily
· Stop smoking
· Limit alcohol intake
· Undertake regular check-ups through non-invasive tests such as BIA
Recommended supplements to promote bone health
Magnesium
Approximately 60% of the magnesium present in the human body is concentrated in the bones. Numerous studies have demonstrated that magnesium deficiency has a negative impact on bone health and increases the risk of developing osteopenia and, subsequently, osteoporosis.
Magnesium supplements help increase bone density and prevent the continuation of bone demineralisation.
Vitamin D
The main function of vitamin D is to promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and maintain their level constant in the blood. This vitamin is synthesised by the body when the skin is exposed to the sun.
Vitamin D is regarded as a hormone due to its important role in connection with organ and tissue functioning as well as bone health. Vitamin D deficiency impairs the body’s ability to absorb adequate quantities of calcium, thereby causing a decrease in muscle strength and fatigue.
Calcium
Calcium is an essential nutrient involved in numerous metabolic processes. It is stored in the bones in the form of phosphate salts, which are responsible for bone tissue strength and firmness. Calcium deficiency in adults can lead to osteopenia and, if left untreated, evolve into osteoporosis.
The importance of physical exercise
It is now common knowledge that physical activity can help improve bone structure at any stage of life.
Targeted exercises that take into account factors like age and state of health has considerable benefits, including a reduced risk of fractures even in the case of full-blown osteoporosis.
The role of BIA in the fight against bone fragility
Besides detecting mineral deficiency, bioimpedance analysis also provides data on parameters such as loss of muscle mass, excess fat mass, hydration level and body fluid distribution or a combination of parameters. Quick and non-invasive, BIA is recognised as an important diagnostic tool for prevention purposes, as it enables the most suitable therapeutic strategies to be defined in cases of widespread conditions including metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia, as well as osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Written by MD Stefania Mazzieri, Surgeon and General Practitioner