Research Progress on Essential Trace Elements Associated with Osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common skeletal disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The relationship between trace elements and OP has garnered widespread attention in recent years. This study conducts a literature review to comprehensively analyze the mechanisms of iron, copper, and magnesium in OP. The research encompasses multiple fields, including in vitro experiments, in vivo experiments, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and materials science, to reveal the impact of trace elements on the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Iron accumulation promotes the development of OP by causing a reduction in osteoblast activity. Ferroptosis induces a decline in the function of osteoblasts, leading to reduced bone formation functionality; copper intake is positively correlated with bone density to a certain extent, and copper ions aid in the repair and regeneration of bone tissue. Copper-induced cell death may participate in the pathogenesis of OP by affecting the mitochondrial function and the immune response; magnesium ions promote bone formation, and the intake of magnesium is related to bone quality. Magnesium-containing materials show potential in the treatment of osteoporosis. Trace elements such as iron, copper, and magnesium are closely related to the occurrence and development of OP. Future research needs to further explore the specific mechanisms of these elements to develop new treatment strategies for OP.