Smoking and Bones

Smokers have lower bone density and more fractures than non-smokers. Smokers also have fewer teeth! Although many people are aware of some of the dangers linked to smoking surveys show that few people realize that smoking harms bones. However, research shows that the effects are substantial. By the age of 85 (the age when most fractures occur) smokers have more than twice as many fractures as non-smokers. It has been estimated that as many as one fracture in 8 occurs as a result of smoking. Smoking ages the skin and the gums. Smokers have more gum disease and are more likely to lose their teeth than people who do not smoke.

Why does smoking damage bones?
There are a number of reasons why smoking is bad for bones:

• Smoking destroys nutrients that bones need, such as vitamins D and C.
• Some of the 4,500 chemicals in cigarette smoke may be poisonous to bone.
• Smoking damages osteoblasts. These are the cells that rebuild and repair bone throughout our lives.
• Smoking damages collagen, the 'scaffolding' in bone and in skin. Both the bones and skin of smokers age sooner.
• Smokers have lower levels of sex hormones, oestrogen and testosterone, which help to keep bones strong.
• At the time of the menopause smoking speeds up calcium loss from bones.
• Several studies show that smokers are simply less fit than non-smokers and find exercise harder work. The loss of physical fitness as we get older also starts sooner in smokers. Exercise is very important to keep bones strong.

Does smoking affect men's bones?
Men have fewer fractures than women but studies show that smoking has similar effects on men's bones. Smoking is an important cause of osteoporosis in men.

Stopping smoking will reduce the risk of bone loss and fracture.