What Are the Effects of Tobacco and Alcohol Use on Bone Health?
Whatever a person’s age, the effects of tobacco smoking on bone health should not be ignored. The years from childhood until age 30 should be prime time for building bone mass. Consequently, if an adolescent smokes tobacco, that person probably never will develop maximum potential bone mass. The result will be a smaller skeleton and less bone mass compared to a nonsmoker. Smoking also continues to affect bone health in the individual’s 40s and 50s. Women that age begin to lose estrogen, which is very important for bones. If a woman smokes tobacco after age 40, bone loss is likely to be more rapid — and with more complications.
Heavy drinking is a health risk for many reasons, including its effect on bones.
Tobacco Effects
Research suggests that tobacco use contributes significantly to weakened bones. Smoking tobacco can inhibit the body from using calcium effectively. Also, women who smoke generally go through menopause earlier than those who do not use tobacco. Both situations increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. According to Kathryn Diemer, M.D., professor of medicine and osteoporosis specialist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, “Nicotine is toxic to bone. The first thing I tell patients who smoke is if you don’t stop smoking, there’s very little we can do for your bones. You counteract all medications when you light up.”
Alcohol Effects
Similarly, regular consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks a day also increases the risk of osteoporosis. Experts believe that alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the dietary calcium needed for bone formation. Dr. Diemer cautions, “Alcohol in excess causes about 2% bone loss in a year’s time. Nicotine also causes 2% bone loss. If you’re having alcohol and nicotine both in excess, then the combined bone loss is actually doubled — 8% bone loss overall.”
Summary
For your best long-term bone health, stop smoking now. Seek help from your health care team or from a support group in your community or online if you need additional assistance. At the same time limit or eliminate your alcohol consumption. These changes may seem difficult now, but the long-term benefits will make you healthier and better able to maintain your mobility and bone strength far into the future.