Which of the following is a feature of osteoporosis?
A It causes significant alterations in the blood levels of parathormone and calcitonin
B It is most common in men over 45 years of age
C It is impossible to detectable using blood tests
D It results from short-term deprivation of dietary calcium
E It affects about 30 million people in the U.S.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is E: It affects about 30 million people in the U.S..
Explanation:
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. The disease is often referred to as the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms until a fracture happens. Here’s why each option is evaluated as follows:
- A: It causes significant alterations in the blood levels of parathormone and calcitonin – This statement is not entirely accurate. While changes in parathormone (PTH) levels and calcitonin may be observed in people with osteoporosis, these changes are not the hallmark of the disease. PTH and calcitonin are involved in bone remodeling, but they are not direct causes of osteoporosis.
- B: It is most common in men over 45 years of age – Osteoporosis is more common in postmenopausal women due to the drop in estrogen levels, which directly affect bone density. While it can occur in men, it is much less common in men over 45 compared to women. This makes option B an inaccurate statement.
- C: It is impossible to detect using blood tests – This is false. Although blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose osteoporosis, they can help assess underlying causes or contribute to the diagnosis. For example, measuring calcium and vitamin D levels, as well as markers of bone turnover, can offer clues. The diagnosis is primarily made through bone density testing (DEXA scan), not just blood tests.
- D: It results from short-term deprivation of dietary calcium – Osteoporosis is a long-term condition, and although insufficient calcium intake over time can contribute to bone density loss, the disease is not caused by short-term deprivation. Factors such as aging, hormonal changes (especially in women), lack of physical activity, and genetics play a more significant role in its development.
- E: It affects about 30 million people in the U.S. – This is correct. Osteoporosis is indeed a prevalent condition in the United States, with an estimated 30 million individuals affected, primarily those over the age of 50. It is a significant public health concern due to its potential to lead to fractures and other complications.
Thus, option E is the most accurate.