Osteoporosis

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during physical activity. In a study conducted on the prevalence of the female athlete triad at various Division 1 schools, Thompson and Gabriel addressed the issue that the adolescent female population in general does not consume adequate daily amounts of calcium. They went on to state:
“Compared to adolescent males, adolescent females drink the least milk, are most likely to skip breakfast—a meal which is usually higher in calcium due to milk and cereal—eat the least calories, and eat the highest number of calories at fast food restaurants” (Thompson and Gabriel, 2004).
Many adolescent females, especially those that are active, are unknowingly putting their bodies at risk for premature osteoporosis. Researchers estimate that the prevalence of osteoporosis in female athletes is linear to amenorrhea because of the direct correlation between decreased bone mineral density and inadequate estrogen. It is estimated that as high as 66% of female athletes are at risk for developing premature osteoporosis, with many oblivious to what they are doing to their bodies (Kieposki, 2002). Awareness, education, and skill building are needed to reduce the prevalence of osteoporosis in female athletes.
Causes
There are many factors that lead to the premature loss of bone or inadequate bone formation in the female athlete. The most common cause is associated with insufficient intake of calcium. The female athlete triad usually begins with some form of disordered eating. This low caloric intake often leads to micronutrient deficiencies, including calcium and Vitamin D. Adequate intake of ...