Cyclists May Risk Bone Loss

All exercise may be good for something, but it is not, apparently, good for everything. Now comes the L.A.Times with an unsettling report that cycling, which puts relatively low mechanical load on bones, may encourage osteopenia or osteoporosis –in English “very low bone mineral density”. The paper reports that a recent study in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports &
Exercise found that competitive male road cyclists had significantly
lower bone mineral density in their spines than a control group of men
who were moderately physically active while doing other recreational
activities. The Times also cites a study, published in the journal Bone in 2002, that found that male
road cyclists had lower bone mineral density than male mountain bikers
after adjusting for body weight and controlling for age. The difference
there, researchers suggest, could be that mountain biking, with its bumps and jumps, perhaps
provides more impact and stimulation for bone growth than does road
cycling. The Times also cites experts who suggest that hard-core cyclists may not be eating enough to offset what they
burn when exercising, depriving their bodies of bone-strengthening
nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D.
What to do about it? Cross-train
with some exercise that puts some weight on bones, and watch your diet.
Swimmers too, may be at risk.
Read more in the L.A. Times.