More about cycling and bone strength

[spokewench]

Something about that articles bothers me? - Breaking bones is due to a Vitamin D Deficiency and Cyclists should get the test. Am I wrong or is vitamin D gained through exposure to sun, as well as other things? Don't cyclists get a lot of vitamin D exposure? I know I always have; even if I try to wear sunscreen (not always successful).

spoke

[SLash]

Something about that articles bothers me? - Breaking bones is due to a Vitamin D Deficiency and Cyclists should get the test. Am I wrong or is vitamin D gained through exposure to sun, as well as other things? Don't cyclists get a lot of vitamin D exposure? I know I always have; even if I try to wear sunscreen (not always successful).

spoke

Not necessarily, I am in the sun a lot, between swimming, riding and yard work, and I tested low for Vitamin D (32 ng/ml) a couple of months ago. I was shocked because of how much time I spend outside, but my doctor said that studies have shown the sun isn't an adequate source of Vitamin D for people over ages 35-40 (I'm 55). Prior to testing me he said if my level was normal he wanted me to take 1,000 IU a day, and if it was low 50,000IU in one pill, one time a week for 12 weeks, then retest, if it is normal he will put me on 1500 IU daily for life, if it is still low 50,000 IU for 12 more weeks. I trust my doctor, he's excellent, and he says low Vitamin D is one of the most mis-diagnosed and misunderstood health problems (because of the other health issues it causes)that people have that could be easily treated and isn't.

[xanesdoc]

+1 SLash. I live in Atlanta and spend at least 5 days a week outside playing tennis, golf or riding my bike. When my GYN wanted to check my Vitamin D level two years ago, I laughed and said mine will be sky high. Well I was shocked when it came back at 6! After taking 50,000 units of Vit. D weekly for 3 months, my level increased to 54. I currently take 50,000 every 2 weeks and my levels stay between 50-60. I now wonder if I need to get it into the 75 range. I will check with my MD.

[cylegoddess]

Calcium is laid on by stressing bones to the limit. Usually it takes strength training. That 2x per week,on graduated( and must be graduated or doesnt work after a while) course will do the trick. Cyclists most likely gain some from strain put on femurs, tibia, hips etc but very little for axial spine, arms, back etc. I do supplements, and calcium too but according to textbooks for fitness cert 3( as compiled by Aus Institute of Sport and USA Sports College( forget name, is very big)

8 to 10 times, 60 % of rep max( the most you can do in one rep), 2-6 reps, 2- 3 times a week.

Thats for regular health. Prevents oesteo, hip fracture, general aging nastys.

[Zen]

See Wolff's Law

[staceysue]

Since I got my road bike, I've noticed how much cycling feels like flying sometimes. Maybe all the high speeds have given our bodies the message they need to be lighter and more birdlike. Bird bones are light and strong. We're not getting weaker, just lighter!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I thought the issue was that bicycling didn't help prevent bone loss the way other sports and exercise can do (jogging, weight lifting, dancing, jump roping...).
Not that cycling 'caused' bone loss.
Um...certainly someone who sits on a couch all day would have more bone loss than someone who cycles regularly, right?