Matthew Johnson comments on how important exercise is in maintaining bone density, in fact it arguably is the most important factor!
In an article recently published in the Journal of Pediatrics entitled “Lifestyle Factors and the Development of Bone Mass and Bone Strength in Young Women,”(i) it was found that exercise (especially weight training) during adolescent years (age 12-22 years) is the most important lifestyle factor determinant of increased bone density, having a greater impact than even calcium supplementation* and contraceptive (birth control) use.
Considering the fact that an estimated 30% of women over 50 years of age have osteoporosis(ii); this study highlights the importance of regular exercise, especially weight training, in achieving optimal bone density for women.
*As a side note, while this particular study did not find a correlation between calcium consumption and bone density, many other studies have, especially when the person’s diet is also high in vitamin D, magnesium, and the B vitamins.
(i)Lloyd T, Petit MA, Lin HM, Beck TJ. “Lifestyle factors and the development of bone mass and bone strength in young women.” J Pediatr. 2004 Jun;144(6):776-82.
(ii)Lewiecki, E. M. “Management of Osteoporosis.” Clin Mol Allergy. 2004 Jul 14; 2(1):9.
Matthew Johnson – Is a nutritionist and exercise physiologist with a degree in nutritional sciences and toxicology and a certificate in dietetics. He is currently finishing his Doctorate at UC Berkeley in exercise physiology. Matthew consults with companies and athletes from local to international caliber. Matt can be reached at matthewjohnson@mklaboratory.com