Healthy and strong bone: How Blood Tests Can Help

Bone health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that often goes overlooked until issues arise. Keeping bones strong and healthy is crucial for movements, shields vital organs, and maintaining a high quality of life.

However, aging leads to reduced bone density, making bones more vulnerable to fractures and osteoporosis. Fractures usually resulted from fall and the risk is higher in older population. Falls are prevalent among older adults over 65 and are linked to significant morbidity and mortality.

The chance of developing osteoporosis increases for women during menopause. The ovarian function declines with age which led to decrease production of estradiol.  Estrogen plays a key role in preventing bone weakening by slowing their natural breakdown. The reduction of estrogen during menopause leads to a significant increase in bone loss.

There is another disease which related to poor bone metabolism. Osteomalacia is a condition often results from insufficient levels of phosphate, calcium, and vitamin D, or from the body’s inability to absorb calcium properly, leading to inadequate bone mineralization that leads to softening of bones. 

In Sana Health Diagnostic we have Bone health panel that will check of these important markers; Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Calcium, Phosphate, Vitamin D, and Parathyroid Hormone (PHT). 

ALP or alkaline phosphatase is a useful marker to assess bone disorders. Increase level of serum ALP in blood is found in those who have osteoporosis.

Vitamin D helps with absorption of calcium by gut as well regulate the amount of phosphate in body. Low vitamin D will lead to low calcium (hypocalcemia) and phosphate level (hypophosphataemia), thus increase the risk of nutritional rickets. 

Did you know that Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Ireland especially in winter due to limited sun exposure? Vitamin D deficiency also found in those who housebound for example elderly people in nursing home with impaired mobility. They stayed indoors all times and this led to insufficient vitamin D.

Parathyroid hormone is one of the hormones that play important part in in regulating the blood level of calcium and phosphorus. Excessive production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands results in the release of calcium from bones. This has been shown to raise the risk of osteoporosis and fractures by increasing the rate of bone turnover. 

Our Bone health panel will help you to assess your bone health and detect Vitamin D deficiencies. By doing the blood test, it is easier for your healthcare providers to suggest you to take any supplements or medication to strengthen your bone and prevent osteoporosis to happen.

Blood tests for bone health are straightforward and our highly skilled well-trained phlebotomists will make sure the process of drawing blood is quick, professional, and comfortable procedure. Our blood test results are straightforward and easy to understand. Always consult with your healthcare provider to interpret your results accurately and determine the best course of action for your well-being.