Poverty contributes to osteoporosis, a Deakin University study has found.
The new research showed that the stress of social disadvantage could be putting people at higher risk of developing the condition.
Dr Sharon Brennan-Olsen, heading the Geelong-based IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, led an international team of researchers.
She said the study suggested that the stress associated with social disadvantage triggered a genetic response in the body putting people at higher risk.
“Over the last few years, our research has shown that there is a social gradient of osteoporosis, whereby people of lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk, Dr Brennan-Olsen said.
“What we have not known is why.
“We have shown that in addition to other factors that have direct impact on bone health such as physical activity and diet, the stress of social disadvantage causes physiological wear and tear on the body.
“This sets off a chain of biological events that turn off certain genes and ultimately weaken the bone structure and increase the chance of developing osteoporosis.”
Dr Brennan-Olsen said further research was needed to better understand which genetic mechanisms were altered by a person’s psychological and social conditions to cause the increased risk.
“While we don’t yet have the full picture, the insights we now have into the genetic mechanisms that impact bone health strengthen the importance of lifestyle changes and stress reduction programs to help reduce health inequities across social groups.”
The research team’s work has been published in Bone, a leading international journal in the field of bone and mineral research.
