New Genetic Link To Osteoporosis

Let's face it - we all should be taking in more calcium, doing more weight bearing exercises and generally taking better care of our bones. But unfortunately, since the threat of osteoporosis isn't something we see or feel, many of us roll the dice and just hope we aren't among the millions of women affected by this bone thinning disease - and the leading medical cause of fractures in women.

Now, according to new research just published in the British journal Lancet, there may be a new way to discover if, in fact, we are at risk - years, even decades before our bones begin breaking.

The research confirms the presence of two genetic mutations which are present together in about 20% of all white women - and when they occur, the risk of both osteoporosis and bone fracture is almost a sure thing.

The study involved a total of more than 8500 participants - 2,000 women from Great Britain and 6,500 men and women from other European countries. The two genetic variants - one a protein involved in bone building (LRP5), the other found in a receptor that is involved in the bone remodeling process, something that occurs throughout our lifetime. When present together , these two genetic variations represent a higher risk of osteoporosis and a history of bone fracture occurring with very little impact.

Moreover, the study reports that both these genetic variants show up early in life - years or even decades before the fractures begin.

What does this mean in "real time"? At the moment, nothing - the tests used in the study are not yet commercially available.

That said, the future is not that far off - and knowing you are indeed at risk means you have the opportunity to stop the damage before it occurs.

The good news: You can start the protection now! What to do: Increase your calcium intake with 3 to 4 servings of low-fat or no-fat dairy every day; do bone building exercises like walking, or weight lifting; talk to your doctor about whether or not calcium supplements can help - and whether you can benefit from a quick, painless bone density test.

Still need another reason to take care of your bones starting now? Does the name Manolo Blahnik mean anything to you? If you want to keep wearing those sexy high heels as long as you can - start eating some yogurt now!

To read more about bone health visit YourMenopause.com