As we age, the bones in our bodies become weak, fragile and more prone to fractures. This process can lead to osteoporosis - which

simply means porous bones. It is a condition commonly associated with postmenopausal women, due to the breakdown of calcium and natural bone

deposits. 

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Unfortunately, the misconception that osteoporosis primarily affects white women has excluded many black women from vital awareness, screenings, and

treatment options. Relevant and helpful information needs to be shared so black women can get the help and support they need to manage this condition.

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What is Osteoporosis?

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Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle. It happens when the bone mass and mineral density reduces, leading to a structural deterioration

and an increased risk of fractures. Simply put, osteoporosis means weakening muscles or bone loss.

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Unlike general bone loss which is part of the natural aging process, osteoporosis is a disease that causes severe bone weakness. Especially because of an imbalance

between bone creation and bone loss in the body.

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Creation of new bone < Loss of old bone

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Osteoporosis should not be confused with osteoarthritis, a condition that affects the joints, or general age-related bone thinning, which may or may not progress to osteoporosis.

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Symptoms of Osteoporosis

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Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture. The most common symptoms of osteoporosis are:

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• Back pain, especially around the spine region

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• Loss of height

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• A stooped posture.

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However, most people have no direct signs of osteoporosis, until a fracture occurs. Unfortunately this happens very frequently, even from something as mild as a deep

cough or a slight fall.

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Risk factors in Osteoporosis

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One of the most common risk factors for osteoporosis is Age. As the body gets older; so does everything in it, including bones.

Other factors that play a role in getting this disease include:

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• Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.

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• Family History: Having a sibling or parent with osteoporosis usually poses a risk.

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• Race: Osteoporosis is mostly dominant in people of Asian or white descent, but black women have it too.

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• Body size: The smaller the body, the easier it is to develop the condition because there is less bone mass to support.

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• Diet: People who rarely eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are at higher risk.

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• Hormone levels: Osteoporosis is more common in people who have increased thyroid hormones, or lowered sex hormone levels.

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• Drug use: Long term use of steroids or PPIs interferes with bone building, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

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• Low physical activity: Living a sedentary lifestyle largely contributes to developing this condition.

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• Previous history of fracture: According to this 2021 study, people who suffered a fracture before were 52% more likely to develop osteoporosis than those who didn't.

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Osteoporosis in Black Women

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For a long time, people believed osteoporosis only affected white women. The research was done only on them, while women of colour suffered from the disastrous

effects of bone loss. The lack of awareness in Africa and similar countries also served its negative purpose, thus their struggles were often relegated to the background.

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More research is now being done on Black women, but it is important to recognize the healthcare disparities that involve us. Also, we must understand the prevalent risk

factors that make us susceptible and how to overcome them.

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The Role of Melanin

One core factor that differentiates black women from other races is the presence of melanin – the pigment responsible for skin colour. In dark people, melanin reduces

the body's ability to absorb ultraviolet B light which is necessary for vitamin D production. This leads to reduced bone density and an increased risk of fractures.

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Lack of mineral intake

The most important minerals related to bone regeneration are calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D. These nutrients can easily be gotten from milk and other dairy

products, but most black people can't consume them due to a lactose intolerance. Thus, the daily intake for black women is too low to impact bone development.

Additionally, a lot of the food consumed in Africa are processed, which strips off the healthy nutrients and leaves a lot of women mineral-deprived.

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Genetics

Contrary to popular belief, black women are also prone to osteoporosis. This is because they are more prone to have lupus or sickle cell anaemia, which increases the

risk of osteoporosis.

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Social Barriers

More than anything, what affects black women the most is the inability to get screened and tested for this condition. Factors like a lack of awareness, poor access to

testing facilities, and economic issues make it difficult to check for osteoporosis, thus a lot of black women go undiagnosed.

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How to Manage Osteoporosis in Black Women

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Every black women over 50 is advised to do a bone density test, especially in cases of:

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• Menopausal activity

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• Previous bone fracture

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• Existing risk factors

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This test is a fast, painless way of checking your risk of fractures due to osteoporosis. It makes use of a DXA scan, which uses x-rays to measure the mineral density in

your bones. If there is a trace of osteoporosis, some approved medications can be prescribed to treat this condition.

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Note: Speak to a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medications for this condition.

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Eating A Balanced Diet 

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Because of the role diet has to play in osteoporosis, it is important to eat a varied, nourishing diet high in minerals and protein. These include:

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• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt. These foods give a high amount of calcium.

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• Certain types of fish like salmon, trout, sardines, and even animal parts like beef liver and egg yolks. These are great sources of calcium and vitamin D.

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• Leafy greens like spinach, kale and fruits like kiwi and oranges, which give the body a lot of calcium and vitamin K.

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If eating these foods regularly isn't feasible, women at risk of developing osteoporosis will also benefit from supplements containing:

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• Calcium: 1g-1.2g daily

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• Magnesium: 250mg-1g daily

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• Vitamin D3: 600 IU - 1,000IU daily (5,000 IU for extreme conditions)

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Regular Exercise 

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One of the best ways to lower a risk of osteoporosis is by exercising regularly. This helps to boost muscle strength, improve balance, relieve pains, and reduce the risk of

fractures. Simple activities like running, walking, and jogging can be very helpful for black women managing osteoporosis or trying to avoid it.

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Conclusion

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There is no cure for osteoporosis, but understanding this condition and finding ways to manage it can help women regardless of race, take necessary steps to protect

their bone health. By increasing education, improving access to screening, promoting preventative care and aging gracefully.

Talk to your doctor today about your bone health today.

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