Osteoporosis☆

Abstract

IntroductionOsteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease in the United States and other developed countries. It is estimated that >25 million American men and women have this condition, which results in approximately 1.5 million fractures annually. Approximately 70% of people with osteoporosis are women. Bone mineral density is a continuous and measurable phenotype that predicts the risk of osteoporosis and associated fractures. The most commonly used method for measuring bone density is dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Estimates suggest that 40-80% of variation in bone density is due to genetic factors, with dietary calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K2 intake, exercise, and estrogen status in women contributing as well.