Male smokers are more likely to develop osteoporosis, suffer bone fractures and die early.
- Osteoporosis is two to three times more common in women than in men, due to menopause.
- Osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of morbidity and disability in the elderly, often leading to premature death.
It’s no secret that cigarette smoking is responsible for the occurrence of multiple conditions, such as respiratory diseases and cancers of the lungs and throat. But is there a link between smoking and fracture risk in men? This is the question asked by researchers at the University of Nevada in the United States. To answer this, they conducted a study, the results of which were published in the journal Scientific Reports June 3.
As part of this work, the scientists searched several databases, including Google Scholar or WorldCat. They analyzed nearly 30,000 cases of bone fractures reported over the past three decades in 27 cohorts.
“Smoking is a major risk factor for osteoporosis”
Overall, smoking increases the risk of breaking a bone by 37%. This recent research confirms previous cohorts that smoking increases the risk of spine and hip fractures in men by 32% and 40%, respectively. And, according to older studies, between 21% and 37% of injured smokers die within a year of their fracture.
“Smoking is a major risk factor for osteoporosis and fracture risk. Men tend to smoke more than women, increasing their risk of osteoporosis, traditionally considered a female disease,” said Qing Wu, lead author of the study, in a statement.
Chemicals in cigarettes increase risk of fractures
According to the team, the influence of cigarette smoking on fracture risk is not well understood. The authors suggested that the fractures were caused by chemicals in cigarettes. These substances have a negative impact on bone cells and reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D and calcium. “Furthermore, nicotine has been shown to interfere with the tissue repair process, which makes the body more susceptible to injury and inhibits fracture healing,” added the researcher. According to scientists, it is important to quit smoking, as it would significantly reduce the risk of fracture in all smokers, especially in men.
