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The process of bone growth and breakdown. Imbalances in bone metabolism can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, where bone loss can cause bones to become fragile and more likely to fracture.

Bone metabolism is the continuous process of bone tissue being broken down (resorption) and rebuilt (formation). It’s a dynamic balance that ensures bone health and strength. 

  • Resorption:
    • Old or damaged bone tissue is broken down by cells called osteoclasts.  
  • Formation:
    • New bone tissue is built by cells called osteoblasts.  
  • Balance:
    • In healthy bones, these processes are tightly regulated to maintain bone density and structure.  
    • Imbalances can lead to conditions like osteoporosis (excessive resorption) or osteopetrosis (excessive formation).
  • Influencing risk factors for metabolic bone disease include:
    • Hormones (e.g., estrogen, parathyroid hormone)
    • Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., calcium, vitamin D)  
    • Physical activity  
    • Age, menopause before age 45
    • Smoking
    • Kidney disease

Sources
Gemini AI, a digital mind and language model, offered part of this explanation.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/metabolic-bone-disease

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