Question

Individuals who spend the majority of their day indoors and take no dietary supplements are more susceptible to fractures. Why? Identify two bone diseases you would expect to see in this population. What would you suggest to prevent fractures?

Answer 1

Individuals who stay indoors and do not take dietary supplements are more susceptible to fractures because when a person goes outside he or she is exposed to sunlight and sunlight is the main source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps in absorption of calcium in the bone for bone formation and to keep the bones healthy and strong. If the person is in a habit of staying indoors then he or she should take dietary supplements of Vitamin D so that calcium can be absorbed properly in the bones for proper bone formation. In the absence of proper sunlight and dietary supplements the bone becomes soft and fragile and hence susceptible to fractures. Population which stays indoor and do not take any dietary supplements can suffer from bone diseases like osteomalacia and osteoporosis. In osteomalacia the softening of bone occurs due to vitamin D deficiency. In osteoporosis the bones becomes weak and brittle due to low calcium levels in body. People having osteomalacia and osteoporosis becomes susceptible to fractures. Fractures can be prevented by keeping the bones healthy and strong by taking direct sunlight and dietary supplements of Vitamin D and Calcium on regular basis. One should take calcium rich foods like dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, etc. One should exercise daily as mechanical stress induces osteoblastic activities and hence keeps the bone healthy and strong. One should take care while walking to avoid slipping to prevent fractures.