Bone Health, Alcohol and Nutrition

Calcium is important for many functions in the body, where it serves as a key nutrient in the maintenance of bone density. More than 99 percent of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. The remaining one percent is found in the blood. Blood levels of calcium depend upon how much of this nutrient is consumed in the diet, how well the nutrient is absorbed, and how much of it is excreted. Calcium balance is regulated by many factors, including parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D.

Alcohol disrupts calcium balance in many ways. To begin with, alcohol exposure increases PTH levels. In cases of chronic alcohol abuse, blood levels of parathyroid hormone can remain elevated, resulting in a strain on the body's calcium reserves. In alcoholics, continuous elevations in parathyroid hormone can precipitate the condition known as secondary hyperparathyroidism, the effects of which further deplete calcium stores.

Alcohol can inhibit the production of enzymes found in the liver and kidney that convert the inactive form of vitamin D to its active form. This interference in vitamin D metabolism results in an impairment of calcium absorption. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, a bone condition associated with pain, fractures and deformity. Alcohol also increases magnesium excretion, an effect that can further negatively impact bone health.

Content Courtesy : www.osteo.org
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}