Can statins (cholesterol-lowering medications) affect your bones?
Statins show positive effects on bone in laboratory and animal research, but randomised trials in humans do not confirm this. There is therefore no need to reconsider your cholesterol medication for the sake of your bones, but do not expect any bone protection from it either.
In laboratory and animal research, statins stimulate the production of a protein that prompts bone cells to form new bone tissue. In rats whose ovaries had been removed as a model for osteoporosis, the density of spongy bone tissue increased, but the hard, compact bone did not change.
In observational studies, where researchers look back at existing patient data, statin users appear to suffer fewer bone fractures. The estimated risk of hip fractures was roughly 42% lower (OR=0.58) and of spinal fractures 35% lower (OR=0.65). However, in randomised trials no protective effect was found: the odds ratio there was 1.03, meaning virtually no difference. This contradictory picture points to bias in the observational studies: statin users tend to differ from non-users in other aspects of their health.
An additional complication is that statins are strongly taken up by the liver. They reach bone tissue only in small amounts, which makes it doubtful whether a standard cholesterol-lowering dose is high enough in the bone to achieve anything there.
Not all statins behave the same way. In the only randomised study examining bone markers, simvastatin reduced a measure of bone breakdown, whereas atorvastatin did not. Other cholesterol-lowering drugs outside the statin group show no effect on fracture risk in observational studies, suggesting that any effect is specific to statins and not to cholesterol lowering as such.
Evidence comes from laboratory and animal research, observational studies, and a limited number of randomised trials. The OR values for hip and spinal fractures (0.58 and 0.65) are derived from observational data and are not confirmed by randomised trials.
What does using steroids (as in sport) do to your bones?
Steroids in sport appear to stimulate bone formation in the short term, but they disrupt your hormonal balance in a way that can actually damage bones. Especially for young people and with prolonged use, the risks are serious enough to avoid.
Does drinking a lot of alcohol weaken your bones?
Chronic heavy drinking demonstrably weakens your bones and substantially raises the risk of a hip fracture; for your bones there is no safe level above two drinks per day.
Does taking cortisone long-term weaken your bones?
Long-term cortisone use demonstrably weakens your bones; if you use it long-term, it is wise to discuss with your doctor whether you are a candidate for bisphosphonates as a protective measure.
Do carbonated drinks damage your bones?
Regularly drinking large amounts of sugary carbonated drinks is associated with lower bone density, especially in women and during puberty. Moderate consumption appears less harmful, but it is preferable to replace soft drinks with beverages that support bone development.
Can your gut microbiome affect your cholesterol?
Your gut microbiome influences your cholesterol through bile acid conversion and the fermentation of fibres. Eating more fibre is the most concrete and safe step to take; supplements such as berberine are not yet sufficiently substantiated for daily use.
Does losing weight noticeably improve my blood pressure and cholesterol?
Losing weight noticeably lowers your blood pressure and improves your cholesterol profile, but which value improves the most depends on your diet. And if the weight comes back, most of the gains disappear along with it.