Smoking and Bone Health

While there are many health problems caused by the use of tobacco that are well known, such as lung cancer and heart disease, researchers have also identified smoking as a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Osteoporosis, a condition in which bones weaken and are more likely to fracture, is a major health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, 68 percent of whom are women. Cigarette smoking was first identified as a risk factor for osteoporosis more than 20 years ago. Recent studies have shown a direct relationship between tobacco use and decreased bone density. However researchers say it is hard to determine whether a decrease in bone density is due to smoking itself or to other risk factors common among smokers. For example, in many cases smokers are thinner than nonsmokers, tend to drink more alcohol, may be less physically active, and have poor diets. Women who smoke also tend to have an earlier menopause than nonsmokers. These factors put smokers at an increased risk for osteoporosis apart from their tobacco use. In addition, most studies on the effects of smoking suggest that smoking increases the risk of having a fracture. Not all studies have supported these findings, but the evidence is mounting. For example, the longer you smoke and the more cigarettes you consume, the greater your risk of fracture in old age. Also, smokers who have a fracture may take longer to heal than nonsmokers and may have more complications during the healing process. The good news is, quitting smoking may reduce the risk of low bone mass and fractures. However, it may take several years to lower a former smoker's risk. Check out the links below to get more information on smoking and osteoporosis, and get tips to reduce your risk. NIH ORBD~NRC - Smoking and Bone Health - HTML Version Smoking and Bone Health Smoking and Osteoporosis: How Smoking Affects Osteoporosis