Osteoporosis and Celiac Disease

Osteoporosis is one of the most common complications of celiac disease. About 75% of patients have some degree of bone loss. Both men and women with celiac disease are likely to have low bone density. Men with celiac disease tend to have more severe osteoporosis.

It is very unusual for a young person to have osteoporosis.  If they do, this should raise suspicion of celiac disease for both the patient and doctor.

Calcium in the body is very important part of bone density. It is required for muscle function, heart beat and nerve transmission. Bone is constantly being broken down and built up throughout our lifetime. Bone building is affected by several factors:

•    Physical activity and weight-bearing exercises build bone.
•    Normal sex hormones.
•    A lack of dietary calcium.
•    Excessive levels of various hormones.

Low bone density and osteoporosis can be caused by calcium, vitamin D or magnesium malabsorption. If vitamin D is not absorbed it affects calcium absorption.