Bones have many important roles in the body, such as forming the skeleton, protecting organs, storage place of calcium, and help our movement. To maintain their function, bones should be kept healthy. There are several factors that can affect bone health, including exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet.

Studies have proven that diet can affect bone health. Not only calcium intake, it turns out that calorie intake can also affect bone health. According to the results of a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, limiting calorie intake can make bones smaller and weaker, especially for those who like to exercise.

In their study, the researchers observed the presence of bone marrow fat in the body and its effects on bone health. Early studies show that bone marrow fat will increase with more calorie intake. With these results, the researchers made further observations to determine the effect of calorie intake on bone marrow fat and the impact of exercise.

The researchers found that increasing exercise while limiting calorie intake could cause a decrease in bone marrow fat, which may lead to a reduction in the quantity and quality of bone as a whole. In other words, a combination of calorie restriction and exercise can make your bones more fragile.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• McGrath, C., Sankaran, J.S., Xanthos, N.M., et al (2019). Exercise degrades Bone in Caloric Restriction, despite Suppression of Marrow Adipose Tissue (MAT). Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.3872.
• Mayo Clinic - Bone health: Tips to keep your bones healthy (2019). https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060, 30 September 2019.
• Medical News Today - Calorie restriction plus exercise can make bones more fragile (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326344.php, 30 September 2019.