Definition of Osteopenia
- The risk of contracting osteopenia increases as you grow older, since starting from the age of 30, existing bone cells are reabsorbed by the body faster than the manufacture of new bone. Other causes include family history, limited exercise, smoking and being white or Asian.
- Unfortunately, osteopenia has no symptoms. There is no pain or change detected with loss of bone mass.
- To diagnose osteopenia, you will need to undergo a test to determine your bone mineral density (BMD). With a BMD test, you get a T score, which is a comparison of your BMD to that of a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex and ethnicity. People with osteopenia get a T score of between -1.0 and -2.5.
- Since calcium is the most critical mineral for bone formation, drinking milk, as well as intake of other diary products, is strongly encouraged. Your doctor can also prescribe a calcium supplement, which is often combined with vitamin D. These measures should be---and are usually---taken to prevent osteopenia from progressing into osteoperosis.
- To prevent osteopenia, it is advisable to exercise regularly, abstain from smoking, and stay away from excessive intake of sodas and alcohol. This is especially critical if you are younger than 30 years of age, although it is never really too late to make lifestyle changes.
