Citrate level declines may contribute to 'brittle bones'RSS Feed

Declines in citrate levels could contribute to bone brittleness, increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis and putting sufferers at risk of spinal injury.

Researchers at the Iowa State University Ames Laboratory tested citrate levels, discovering an association between concentration and nanocrystal bone structure.

At higher concentrations, the nanocrystals formed during a citrate synthesis process undertaken within the bone were thinner, providing them with more resistance against crack propogation.

Lead researcher professor Klaus Schmidt-Rohr indicated that the results may also explain why the elderly are more at risk of osteoporosis-related spinal injury.

He added: "It [has] been noted in the literature that as an organism ages, the nanocrystal thickness increases and the citrate concentration goes down.

"While calcium loss is a major symptom in osteoporosis, the decline of citrate concentration may also contribute to bone brittleness."

Last year, a study carried out at Loyola University Health System suggested that taking a break from osteoporosis drug treatment may also be beneficial for bone health.

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