The Bone Bank Account

Think of bone as a bank account where you "deposit" and "withdraw" bone tissue. During childhood and the teenage years, new bone is added to the skeleton faster than old bone is removed. As a result, bones become larger, heavier, and denser. For most people, bone formation continues at a faster pace than removal until bone mass peaks during the third decade of life.

Remember, in order to be able to make "deposits" of bone tissue and reach the greatest possible peak bone mass, you need to get enough calcium, vitamin D, and exercise - important factors in building bone.

After age 20, bone "withdrawals" can begin to exceed "deposits." For many people, this bone loss can be prevented by continuing to get calcium, vitamin D, and exercise and by avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use. Osteoporosis develops when bone removal occurs too quickly or replacement occurs too slowly or both. You are more likely to develop osteoporosis if you did not reach your maximum peak bone mass during your bone building years.