Inflammatory Digestive Problems Linked to Poor Bone Health in Teens

A new study shows that as digestive inflammation¹ in children and teens increases their risk for poor bone density rises. The failure to optimize bone growth in formative years leads to much higher risk of fractures and broken bones in later life.

Inflammatory digestive issues often result in malnutrition as digestive capacity is reduced. This should be suspected in any child not growing at an optimal rate, especially those that are too thin. Such issues would be complicated by eating issues involving anorexia or bulimia.

In addition to the inability to get adequate nutrition into the body, the inflammation in the bowels adds to the overall inflammatory burden of the entire body which takes a significant toll on bones – as excess inflammation drive osteoclasts to induce bone loss while suppressing the function of bone-building osteoblasts.

While this study is in children and teens it is likely that inflammatory digestive problems will take a toll on bone health at any age. This is yet another reason why managing the health of your digestive tract is so important.