Lifestyle Medicine Approaches to Bone Health: State of the Field and Future Directions
摘要
The vital physiological role of the skeleton provides structural form; protective encasement of soft organs, tissues, and blood vessels; a means for movement and weight-bearing; and a storage reservoir of essential minerals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus [1, 2]. In addition, bone serves to protect areas of hematopoiesis (marrow) and to release a host of cytokines and signal molecules that influence whole-body physiology [3]. Conditions that adversely affect bone structure and strength include osteoporosis and, less commonly, osteomalacia. In addition to available medical therapies, optimal lifestyle considerations in dietary patterns, physical activity, exposures (e.g., tobacco and alcohol), and dietary supplements have the potential to greatly impact bone health. However, within each category, many research gaps (scientific questions without answers) remain to be addressed.