Increased Prevalence of Osteoporosis - Essay Example

?Advancement of Osteoporosis in the Elderly: How Vitamin D and Calcium Contribute? After the increase in the spread of various grievous diseases in the UK, it has now been researched and found that the most common disease which has spread in about three million people in the United Kingdom is Osteoporosis (2011: n.pg). Among these three million people, researchers have come across with the fact that amongst men and women who are over 50 years of age; Osteoporosis is caused in every 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men. Thus, due to this disease which affects the bones and makes them poor in state and structure, people have fractures at least once as soon as they reach the age of 50. Therefore, the important actuality that we can elucidate is that people who are at a greater risk of developing Osteoporosis are the older population (of the United Kingdom to be specific). This estimation is unfortunate as Orwoll, Bilezikian and Vanderschueren believe, because the results for the inferences of other countries are much better when it comes to the disease of Osteoporosis in the United Kingdom (2010: pp.622) This is due to the fact that the bones of the human body thin down with the increase in age. The major reason among women of elderly age or above the age of 48 of developing Osteoporosis is their state of menopause, because there is a decrease in the female hormone, estrogen. It is believed that after every 3 seconds an osteoporotic fracture occurs, especially amongst the elderly people. Johnell and Kanis have addressed this devastating disease in his research and has provided the fact that this disease mostly begins as soon as people reach the age of 50 but it varies amongst the people of ages 50 to 95 and above as it depends on the intake of various minerals which are necessary for the structure and healthiness of the bones. When it comes to the division of the ages of women and the attack of Osteoporosis it is estimated that approximately “one-tenth of women aged 60, one-fifth of women aged 70, two-fifths of women aged 80 and two-thirds of women aged 90” are affected by Osteoporosis (2006: pp.1727, 2007: pp.66). Research conducted with reference to the estimations in the United Kingdom it was verified that due to hip fracture 1,150 people die. In the United Kingdom a seven fold increase has been found since the year 1960 in the number of osteoporosis cases. It is well known that this disease completely depends up on the amount of various minerals and salts and their intake by an individual, thus it is clear that it has a direct relation with the nutrition of human beings from their birth till their death. Hence, there a variety of minerals and salts; the lack or excess of which results in Osteoporosis among the people of the United Kingdom or anywhere around the world. When people are not careful with what they are putting into their bodies and are ignorant of future consequences of what their nutrition style will cause and in what manner it will affect them, they suffer from diseases like Osteoporosis. Once, this disease attacks an individual proper nutrition supplements are provided to them to help them in the betterment of their health and in the elimination of this disease. This nutrition guide is provided to the elderly people by dividing them into three groups of ages i.e. 64, 74 and 75, and 84 and 85. According to the recommended nutrition which is to be provided to these elderly people, it has been expounded that increased amounts of proteins, calcium, vitamin C and other important mineral shall be taken with a decrease in cholesterol intake, as Alpers, Stenson and Taylor have explicated that the intake of calcium and other minerals shall be increased due to the fact that in the above provided ages the natural intake of calcium and other minerals in not adequate enough (2008: pp.43). According to Van den Bergh, Van Geel, Lems and Geusens and their provided facts, the below table represents the assessments of the risks and the increase in the development of Osteoporosis in the recent years. Many studies have elaborated that a correlation has been found between the salt intake and the ingestion of the amount of calcium by people in the United Kingdom. This research is an evaluation of how Osteoporosis continues to develop and the reasons behind its development with reference to various minerals and salts and their role in this disease. This research holds immense importance as it will put forth the problems caused by Osteoporosis; which the United Kingdom has been facing. It will also help and prove of value by playing a vital role in creating awareness regarding this disease and by supplying pret a porter measures for the elimination of this problem for a healthy and well established society. Besides this, the elaboration of the aims and objectives for targeting this disease shall be reviewed, which will help in the clarification of the current increasing health problem in the United Kingdom. In order to understand what Osteoporosis is, it is necessary that we identify with the short explanation of the bone structure of human beings. For the slightest sum of body burden, utmost quantity of potency is attained by the bones. Such areas of the body that are subjected to heavy loads have the required thickness of the bones. The outer shell of a hard bone has a honeycomb structure in the middle which is called the bone marrow. It is the lithe tissue found inside of the bones. The collagens fibers make up the bone, upon these fibers are present such crystals which are made up of elements like calcium and phosphate. It is due to these minerals that bones can easily stand to be compressed and bended. Osteoporosis occurs when the amount of bone tissue decreases and is less as compared to that of a normal person with reference to age and gender. The most clarified characterization of Osteoporosis has been provided by Balch, Stengler and Youn-Balch as they have stated that “Osteoporosis literally means porous bone” (2008: pp.207). Thus, from this term we can elaborate that when bones start to lose their internal texture and become weak and unable to stand strong this situation is called Osteoporosis. In other words, the elucidation provided by Giustina, Angeli and Canalis as they verify that low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of the bone tissue results in Osteoporosis (2002: pp.60), can be advanced. The manifestations of Osteoporosis are certain in number. These manifestations include the loss of height, a Kyphosis which a hump also known as ‘dowager’s hump’ and as Alexander and Knight have examined it is not overturn-able (2011: pp.230), pain in the back and the most important manifestations of this disease is the obvious bone fractures. Other major manifestations of this disease include decreased levels of bone mass tissues; in this case the bone mass is decreased but the density of the bone remains normal. These manifestations leave the bones in such a state where there is an enormous loss of bone tissue and a fragile bone structure. As a result of which the risks of crush fractures and other common fractures are increased. The most dangerous part of this disease is the crush fractures. This is due o the fact that crush fractures are fractures caused due to compression and directly affect the vertebrae or the spine. As far as common fractures are concerned, these fractures affect specific areas of thigh bone and the lower arm. According to Bartl and Frisch, the early manifestations of Osteoporosis include the fractures of the wrist and vertebrae, specifically among post menopausal stages (2004: pp.159). Even though these are the most obvious manifestations of Osteoporosis, still it is preferred by doctors that a proper diagnosis is processed. After a study on Osteoporosis by Spine-Health (2008), it was authenticated that 48 percent of people believed that they may be at a risk for spinal fracture due to Osteoporosis, whereas, 98 percent of people stated that they have other risk factors. Some basic remedies to prevent Osteoporosis include the most important step which is regular exercise. Thus, exercising is the most important action which can be done by people to avoid Osteoporosis and to make the bones stronger and less prone to fractures or any other sorts of injuries. Other than Osteoporosis, exercise decreases the risks of other killer diseases like high blood pressure, heart diseases and generated mental fitness as well. It is believed that weight bearing exercises are the most vital ones to prevent the problems of Osteoporosis in future. Oter exercises include brisk walking and aerobics. Other measures to prevent Osteoporosis include quitting smoking, eliminating Alcohol consumption as it results in a drop in the estrogen level which protects the bones. According to a study conducted by WHO’s Scientific Group on Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis, it was elucidated that the problem of malnutrition shall be handled properly from childhood as it results in Osteoporosis (2003: pp.162) As it is a well known fact that prevention is better than cure, thus it is important for everyone around the world to be more efficient in preventing this disease than to be caught in the long running process of treating or curing Osteoporosis. But that does not mean that there is no or less cure present for Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be cured through a large number of methods which range from hormone replacement to hip protectors. Some important treatments of Osteoporosis include procedures like Hormone Replacements; in which estrogen is induced through medicine or other sources into the body which helps in the reduction of the tempo of the bone loss, Bisphophonates; these are medicines which are used to help in decreasing the rate of bone dissolution, through this the strength of the bones remains longer. According to Fleisch there are two types of cures i.e. reduce bone loss and increasing bone mass (2000: pp.130). Alendronic acid is also used along with Disodium Etidronate so that Osteoporosis can be prevented in individuals who are at a risk of developing this disease, which is why Sittig has elaborated that this medicine is a bone calcium regulator (1988: pp.600). Other than the above provided treatments for the cure of Osteoporosis supplements with various important vitamins for the bones are suggested to the patients for intake. It is believed that nutrition supplements with proper amounts of Calcium and Vitamin D shall be provided to the elderly aged people who are affected by this disease. The nutrition guide which is provided to these people included a strict prohibition of the use of tobacco and alcohol as mentioned before. Various organizations provide full prevention strategies to the elderly people suffering from Osteoporosis, in which visual treatments are also provided such as good lightening etc. The major cause of this disease of which we all are aware is the bone loss and the incapability of the body to produce new bone tissue. Thus, better dietary habits are recommended to patients and they are asked to reduce a sedentary life style. Fee believes that foods which are high glycemic, contain excess salt, caffeine and carbonated beverages shall be avoided (2011: pp.21). Vitamin D is a group secosteroids that are fat-soluble. This group of secosteroids functions in the human body as a pro-hormone as it is manufactured in the form of Vitamin D3. This Vitamin is also called sunshine vitamin as it can be obtained from adequate exposure to the sun. Dietary sources of Vitamin D include fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil. It is believed that proper required exposure to the sun can eliminate any sorts of Vitamin D deficiencies. There are many different forms under reference when we say Vitamin D but in the human body the most two important forms include Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. The former is manufactured by plants whereas the latter is produced by the human skin when it is exposed to the UVB rays i.e. rays of the sunlight. This vitamin maintains the normality of the blood levels in the human body that of calcium and phosphorus. When products containing Calcium are taken into the body Vitamin D helps in the procedure of the absorption of Calcium from the item into the body which results in stronger bones. It, along with Calcium, helps in increasing the density of the bone minerals and also eliminates any risks of fractures. Zaidi elucidated that Vitamin D has benefits that are remarkable (2009: pp.3). It has been provided that this vitamin protects the human body from diseases like Osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases. Roza has presented us with the fact that Calcium is the fifth most abundant element on Earth (2008: pp.6). In a standard adult body, Calcium is such a nutrient which makes up almost one kilogram of the entire body weight. This is due to the fact that the bones and the teeth carry 99 percent of the human body Calcium. The other remaining percent of Calcium is present in the blood and the fluid present in the cells. There are basically two basic methods through which the body stores Calcium. The first process is the redeemable pond which through the Calcium tobe releases the Calcium into the blood when the intake of Calcium by an individual is low. Whereas, the second process stores the residue Calcium into the bones and this stored residue is not exchangeable. Calcium is vital for the human body as maintains the strength of the bones and the teeth, muscle tone and heart beat are regulated by this element, and any sort of blood clotting is eliminated by the help of Calcium. In the cell membranes Calcium assists the transport of chemicals and helps in the functions of protein, hormones and enzymes. “Calcium is one of the main bone-forming minerals and an appropriate supply to bone is essential at all stages of life” states Prentice (2004: pp.231) It has been seen that a large contribution is made by both the above elements in the cause and cure of Osteoporosis in the people of the United Kingdom. This problem has been seen to have affected a large number of people in the United Kingdom only due to the fact that people lack Vitamin D and Calcium and as their bodies are drained of these important elements they face serious fractures and bone injuries. Thus, it has been recommended by doctors that if these patients take Vitamin D and Calcium in accordance to proper schedule then this disease can be prevented and the health of the people can be bettered. It has been researched by Holick that among these people “800 IU of vitamin D and 1200 mg of calcium accounted for a 49% reduction in the relative risk of falls among older women (mean age, 85.3 years) in long-term geriatric care” (2011: n.pg). This has been represented in the chart below. In the elderly people of the United Kingdom it is believed that those who are a victim to reduced exposure to the sun are targeted by Osteoporosis as along with the reduction of Calcium from their body the presence of Vitamin D is also affected. This leads them to problems like Hypovitaminosis D. It is a fact that for several reasons the requirement of Vitamin D increases and a specific amount everyday is recommended to be provided. Thus, estimations shows that when people reach the age of 50 they start facing problems like Osteoporosis due to the lack of Vitamin D and Calcium, which is why it is believed that both these nutrients play a vital role in affecting the occurrence of Osteoporosis in elderly people. This when supplements containing Vitamin D and Calcium are recommended to patients to be taken on daily basis. This procedure has been proven successful for quite a while now which is why it has been seen that elderly people suffering from this disease who take these supplements are seen to have resulted in better states of bone strength as compared to those who suffer from Osteoporosis and do not take the required dosage. Feldman, Pike, and Adams have specified that very less attention is paid to the quality or quantity of foods which are a natural source of Vitamin D (2011: pp.996). Usually dietary inadequacy results in nutrient deficiencies, spoiled absorption and use of the nutrients in the body, increase in the requirement of the body nutrients and increased excretion of essential nutrients from the human body. When usual intake of Vitamin D is lower than recommended levels Vitamin D deficiency occurs. This is due to the fact that 25(OH) D is not converted to its active form by the kidneys thus absorption of vitamin D from the digestive tract is inadequate. For many people, consuming vitamin D-fortified foods and, arguably, being exposed to some sunlight are essential for maintaining a healthy vitamin D status which results in the improvement of the state of bones for Osteoporosis. Mostly, the daily need for dietary supplements might not be required to be meted by vitamin D in order to cure this disease. Adler deems that with the passage of time and the invention of technology life has been made more sedentary which now is resulting in diseases like Osteoporosis (2010: pp.301) Calcium is also included in most supplementation tryouts of the effects of vitamin D on bone health. A small augment in bone mineral density all through the skeleton among postmenopausal women and older men is found by the utilization of supplements of both vitamin D and Calcium. Fractures in older populations are also reduced by the intake of these supplements. The risk reduction for fractures is not seen or measured alone by the use of Vitamin D supplementation alone thus it alone does not really help in the well being of the people suffering from Osteoporosis. Calcium intake is extremely important because according to Francis neuromuscular activities, membrane functions, hormone secretions, enzyme activities, coagulation of the blood and skeletal mineralization is controlled by it and Vitamin D helps the body absorb the required amount of the former nutrient to perform these functions (2006: pp.13). The reference nutrient intake (RNI) is the least quantity necessary to put off shortage of any nutrient in the human body. As far as Calcium id concerned the RNI in the United Kingdom is located at 700 mg per day for adults. Which means that the dairy intake everyday shall consist of three portions, these products can include; a glass of milk, a few spoons of yogurt or piece of cheese. Other good sources of Calcium include fish eaten with the bones which might include the sardines and pilchards. Just as Vitamin D can’t stand alone in the prevention of Osteoporosis similar is the case of Calcium and its intake, as is not the merely central aspect in Osteoporosis prevention. Oily fish, eggs and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and margarines are good food sources of vitamin D. Just because people follow a diet which is free of dairy products does not mean that they will suffer from Osteoporosis. The intake of vegetarian calcium-rich foods and getting sufficient sunshine contact can also save us the suffering. Many studies conducted by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition verified a low number of Vitamin D intake in young girls than their required RNI (2011: pp.clvi). The RNI of Calcium intake of the United Kingdom for children of 6 months upto 3 years of age 7 µg every day, whereas, that for children of 4 years of age is 23. Whereas that of people from ages 19-50 is 1300 µg per day. It is not possible for children to gain the dietary RNI of 7 µg per day without taking supplements. Hence, just like children it is necessary for the elderly people to take supplements as they lose the body calcium along with the growth of their age. Webb stated that the RNI of Calcium for adolescents is greater than that of adults (2011: pp.122). Therefore, yes separate nutritional interventions are always necessary because just as it has been discussed before it is not possible to even be close to the cure of Osteoporosis if both the nutritional elements are not taken together. It is a fact which cannot be closed eyes to that Osteoporosis is such a serious and life taking disease which needs close medical monitoring with special management and treatment. Patients are shall be taken extreme care of, as this disease brings forth such a state of fragileness on the human bone structure that just a minute fall may result in devastation of the entire body and human life. There is no doubt in the fact that the treatments which are now available for the cure of the disease of Osteoporosis are so huge in number that people are out of the worrying zone but yet that does not mean that Osteoporosis shall be taken lightly. Thus, it is necessary to choose as many various therapy types as possible so that no gap shall be left in the way towards a successful healing. This close monitoring of the patients suffering from Osteoporosis not only includes the modification of life but also a complete check on the intake of nutrients and methods to further prevent bone loss. Therefore, to make sure that the patients suffering from Osteoporosis get a chance to put select the options provided above, new interventions have been advanced and investigated. Researchers and doctors are commencing clinical trials along with tryouts on nutritional factors in order to understand this disease better and to provide the Osteoporosis patients a chance to survive and tell the tail. These interventions include the workings of procedures like systemic and local regulation of bone turnover through which the disturbed structure of the vertebrae can be turned back to its position states Akesson in his research paper. Along with these, he further verifies are trials like pharmacological treatments to gain the bone mass which has already been lost or is impossible to be gained (2003: pp.658). These interventions also include successful therapy procedures which are being carried out. It has been elucidated by Camacho and Miller that these therapies help in the improvement of the bone strength and n the decrease of fractures (2007: pp.177). There is no doubt in the fact that these trials and try outs are running on the path of success as an increase in the number of people who have successfully survived this disease has been seen. Hence, it can be conclude that all around the world there has been noticed an increase in the number of people who suffer from Osteoporosis. In the United Kingdom this number is comparatively greater and the reasons behind it are clearly visible. Due to this increase in the number of people suffering from the disease of Osteoporosis, an increase in the number of fractures has been noticed. “Relative to other diseases, management of osteoporosis is expensive” believe Sambrook, Seeman, Phillips and Ebeling (2002: pp.13). Thus to reduce this disease the most important step is education and awareness programs. Just after the first fracture is left undiagnosed or is not treated that is when the risk factors begin and increase. Many people do not realize that they are facing the risk factors. This is such a disease for the treatment and prevention of which all possible measures are required. These measures shall range from fall deterrence procedures to the use of pharmacological agents. In the United Kingdom a large number of interventions are being instructed along with measures which will lead to the successful treatments. 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