Approved Research

Exploring associations between lifestyle and bone health.

Lay summary

As we age beyond 30 years old, the density and strength of our bones decrease. The decrease can occur rapidly, particularly with females to the point where fractures can occur from minor accidents and falls. Falls in the elderly represent a major cost to the health service and can reduce quality of life and independence.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between various lifestyle factors and the density of bone, in those aged between the ages of 40 and 70. The UK Biobank includes a large amount of data on bone density and life style factors believed to be important in influencing bone density through aging. These factors include sleep quality, nutritional intake, physical activity, medication use and supplementation with vitamin C and vitamin D. By performing statistical analyses to identify which lifestyle factors influence bone density the most, and which factors appear to have combined effects on bone density, we will be able to inform and create more effective interventions to slow the age related decline in bone density. By reducing this decline, there will be less fractures which will reduce costs to health services and enable individual to maintain functional independence for longer.