Are Cyclists Pedaling Towards Osteoporosis?

Just when you thought it was good to bike or swim.

"While maintaining a steady exercise regimen is one of the best things people can do for their general good health, recent studies suggest an alarming correlation between bicycling and the onset of osteopenia (lower-than-normal bone density) or osteoporosis (very low bone mineral density), even among those who are young and fit...

A recent study that appeared in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that competitive male road cyclists showed significantly lower bone mineral density in their spines than a control group of men who were moderately physically active. Although the cyclists had a greater calcium intake, they were still more likely to have osteopenia and osteoporosis than those in the control group. A similar study in Bone illustrated that male road cyclists had lower bone mineral density than male mountain bikers after adjusting for body weight and age. The distinction could be found in that mountain biking, with its variable terrain, provides more impact for bone growth than road cycling or racing. Swimmers may also be at risk, because that sport requires similarly little mechanical loading, leaving the lower spine particularly vulnerable."

Oops.