Bone loss is an often-overlooked consequence
of heavy drinking, but recent research has illuminated
how alcohol takes a toll on the bones, according to a
new report.
In a review of cell, animal and human studies, Dr. Dennis
A. Chakkalakal of the Omaha VA Medical Centre in Nebraska
describes how heavy drinking leads to bone loss, higher
risk of fractures and slower healing of bone breaks.
The main problem appears to be that alcohol inhibits
the normal formation of new bone, Chakkalakal reports
in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.
Though excessive drinking has been shown to promote bone
thinning and fractures, some studies have suggested that
moderate drinking may actually help protect bone mass
- possibly because small amounts of alcohol promote new
bone formation.
The opposite appears true of high amounts of alcohol,
according to Chakkalakal's review.
Throughout adulthood, bone undergoes a process of "remodelling,"
whereby cells called osteoclasts break down small portions
of old bone, and cells called osteoblasts form new bone.
In healthy, younger adults, this process is usually balanced,
so that bone mass is maintained.
Too much alcohol, however, appears to inhibit osteoblasts
from doing their job, and heavy drinkers may start to
lose bone mass in just a few years, according to Chakkalakal.
The potential for bone loss climbs in tandem with drinking,
evidence shows, but it's not clear where the risk threshold
lies.
Most studies on alcohol and bone loss have defined "heavy"
drinking as roughly six or more drinks per day. But, the
review points out, there's some evidence that bone loss
is a risk for people who have closer to three or more
drinks a day.
Though many people know about the damage heavy drinking
can inflict on the liver, far fewer know about the effects
on bone, according to Dr. Terrence M. Donohue Jr., also
of the Omaha VA Medical Centre.
In a statement, he recommended that anyone with a bone
fracture avoid alcohol during the healing process.
"The review," he said, "underscores the importance of
abstinence from alcohol consumption by patients - alcoholics
or teetotallers - with fractures and who may want to drink
during their convalescence." [
SOURCE: Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research,
December 2005.
