Smoking interferes with the absorption of calcium, causing smokers to experience vertebral fractures more frequently than non-smokers. Women who smoke usually reach menopause one to one and a half years earlier than non-smokers. Consequently, their bodies stop producing estrogen earlier than non-smoking women. Smoking can also lead to other serious health problems, such as lung cancer.
Consuming more than two alcoholic beverages a day may decrease bone formation and reduce the bone's ability to absorb calcium. Moderate alcohol consumption (one drink per day or less) has not been shown to contribute to osteoporosis.
