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Living in leafy areas with access to gardens, parks, and green spaces may boost bone density and lower the risk of osteoporosis, according to a recent study published online in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Researchers found that lower levels of air pollution in these green spaces were a significant contributing factor to these associations.
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones prone to fractures, poses a significant health concern globally, particularly with the aging population and changes in lifestyle. While genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contribute to osteoporosis risk, the potential impact of exposure to green spaces on bone health has been less clear.
To investigate this further, researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, including information from 391,298 participants with an average age of 56. Factors such as bone mineral density, genetic risk of osteoporosis, residential area greenness, and exposure to air pollutants were considered.
Over an average monitoring period of 12 years, 9,307 new cases of osteoporosis were diagnosed. However, a consistent association between the amount of green space and new cases of osteoporosis emerged. For every increase in residential greenness, there was an associated increase in bone mineral density and a 5% lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
The study also highlighted the moderating effects of lower levels of air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5), on the relationship between green space and osteoporosis risk. Trees and plants in green spaces act as natural filters, reducing exposure to pollutants and mitigating the risk of osteoporosis.
Physical activity was also linked to a lower risk of osteoporosis, with green spaces potentially providing more opportunities for exercise.
While the study underscores the potential benefits of green spaces for bone health, it is observational and cannot establish causation. Limitations include potential inaccuracies in defining green space based on residential addresses and the generally healthy status of study participants, which may introduce bias.
Nevertheless, the findings suggest that residential greenness may play a role in preventing osteoporosis and emphasize the importance of urban greening in developing effective prevention strategies.
Lead researcher concluded, “These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of greenness in preventing the onset of osteoporosis and emphasize the significance of urban greening in developing effective prevention strategies.”
