Free Riding Free Radicals

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons that can cause oxidative stress by damaging cells, proteins, and DNA. While the body naturally produces free radicals during metabolic processes, external factors such as pollution, radiation, tobacco smoke, and certain chemicals can increase their levels. Over time, excessive free radical production can lead to various health issues, including impaired bone health. This article explores how free radicals affect bone health and provides strategies to mitigate their impact.

How Free Radicals Affect Bone Health

1. Oxidative Stress and Bone Remodeling: Bone remodeling is a continuous process where old bone is resorbed by osteoclasts and new bone is formed by osteoblasts. Free radicals can disrupt this balance by inducing oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body that causes cell and tissue damage, which impairs the function of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Oxidative stress can lead to increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation, resulting in bone loss and weakened bone structure.

2. Inflammation and Bone Damage: Free radicals can trigger chronic inflammation, which is detrimental to bone health. Pro-inflammatory signaling proteins can stimulate osteoclast activity, leading to excessive bone resorption. Chronic inflammation is associated with conditions like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, which are characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture risk.