Osteoporosis affects 39% of women over 65 in France, according to Health Insurance figures, and 70% of those over 80. More specifically, this bone disease “associates both a reduction in bone density and modifications of its micro-architecture”. The associated risks include fractures of the wrist or femoral neck, for example, as well as chronic pain, reduced mobility and poorer quality of life. Preventing osteoporosis is therefore a public health issue.
Researchers at Central South University in Changsha, China, looked at the effects of environment on the risk of developing osteoporosis. Researchers have noted that living in green areas near gardens, parks and green spaces can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Their results are published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Osteoporosis: living in a vegetated area would reduce the risk by 5%
To arrive at these conclusions, the researchers based themselves on data from 391,298 people registered with the UK Biobank. Their average age was 58 years old. The researchers had access to different information such as the bone mineral density of the participants, but also different factors that could influence the development of bone disease such as residential area, exposure to certain pollutants, alcohol consumption, levels of physical activity, smoking or even diet.
To calculate the genetic risk of bone disease, researchers used a tool called “polygenic risk score” which brings together the different factors that can increase the risk of developing a pathology. Then they used “normalized difference vegetation index” which made it possible to determine the amount of green space in the participants’ residential area. Specialists analyzed exposure to different air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM2.5) depending on the place of residence.
Osteoporosis: vegetation would help reduce the harmful effects of air pollution
During the study period, which spanned 12 years, on average, the researchers noted a total of 9,307 cases of osteoporosis. The authors of the study noted a “consistent association between the amount of green space and new cases of osteoporosis”. Indeed, the results of this research showed that people living in green neighborhoods had better bone health and a 5% lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
The researchers believe that this difference could be explained by thelower exposure to air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM2.5). “Several studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can produce oxidative stress, inflammation and disrupt hormones, both of which increase the risk of osteoporosis. explain the researchers. Also, according to them, vegetation would help reduce pollutants present in the air.
If the researchers specify that it is a observational studynot making a cause and effect link, they nevertheless believe that “Residential greenery is associated with higher bone density and a decreased risk of developing osteoporosis.” Also, they remind “the importance of urban greenery in the development of effective prevention strategies”.
Sources:
- Associations of residential greenness with bone mineral density and osteoporosis: the modifying effect of genetic susceptibility – Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
- Living in “leafy” areas may boost bone density and lower osteoporosis risk (press release)
- Health Insurance – Understanding osteoporosis