Osteopenia refers to lower than typical bone density. It generally peaks when one is over 30 years old. Bone mineral density implies the degree of mineral in the bones and the susceptibility to bone breaking. Osteopenia aggravates one’s chances of developing osteoporosis. The bone disease triggers stooped posture and fracture and may also induce severe pain. One can strengthen their bones and manage the condition with the right food choices and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms
In the early stages, osteopenia shows no symptoms. However, once the bones weaken, one might show the following signs and symptoms:

• A stooped posture
• Loss of height with time
• Back pain stemming from collapsed vertebra or fracture
• Bone breaking more easily than expected

Causes
As one turns 30 years old, their bone density peaks. Following this, it gradually declines as the body breaks down older bones faster than the new ones form. Moreover, one’s bones will become thinner and weaker if the calcium withdraws through it, resulting in osteoporosis or osteopenia. Although some bone loss is expected and natural, several factors can define the degree of loss. Factors that aggravate the bone loss rate and cause osteoporosis and osteopenia are described below:

Risk factors

• Undergoing early menopause
• Females are at a higher risk of osteopenia compared to males
• Asian or Caucasians are more likely to get osteopenia
• Those who are 50 years or older may suffer from the condition
• Having a family history of bone disease
• Having naturally thin or small bones
• Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies
• Leading a sedentary or inactive lifestyle

Some underlying conditions also result in osteopenia. These causes include:

• A recent bariatric surgery
• Having celiac disease or other malabsorptive disorders
• Low testosterone or estrogen levels
• Having rheumatoid arthritis, anorexia, or any other disease triggering bone loss

Osteopenia treatment
Presently, there is no cure for osteopenia. However, the primary objective behind different treatments is to lower the susceptibility of fractures and avoid bone progression. Lifestyle changes are usually the first line of treatment. But one’s doctor may even prescribe some other treatment options, especially if one has a past or current bone fracture history.

Lifestyle changes
Typically, a healthcare practitioner will suggest a combination of lifestyle changes to strengthen one’s bones and lower the risk of fractures or broken bones. These changes may be as follows:

• Exercising regularly
• Limiting caffeine or salt intake
• Indulging in lower-impact workouts like tai chi and yoga
• Eating foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, such as low-fat dairy and leafy green vegetables

When one endures a fracture or a broken bone and has osteopenia, the healthcare expert will recommend some treatment options to lower the risk of subsequent fractures in the future. They may even prescribe vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Treatments for infants
Some infants may also develop osteopenia. Their treatment plan focuses on boosting bone density and strength. So, if a child has osteopenia, the doctor may prescribe the following treatments:

• Vitamin D supplements
• Phosphorous or calcium supplements (One can include them in the breast milk)
• The distinguished formula for premature babies