Osteoporosis and salt intake

AIM: Recently, it has been hypothesized that salt intake may be related to the risk of osteoporosis. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence for such relationship and to discuss possible mechanisms. DATA SYNTHESIS: We performed a review of the scientific literature on osteoporosis, particularly its etiology, and then focussed on studies addressing the relation between salt intake on the one hand, and calcium balance, bone resorption, bone mineral density and fractures on the other. Although a relation between high salt intake and increased bone loss is biologically plausible, the most pertinent studies relating salt intake to bone mineral density are only suggestive of high salt consumption as a risk factor for osteoporosis. Unfortunately, studies on fracture risk and salt intake are lacking. CONCLUSION: The relationship between salt intake and osteoporosis is still controversial. A possible relation between salt intake and fracture risk should be addressed in future studies.