Why is it said that human bones become brittle in winter?

In recent years, outpatient clinics in hospitals across the country have shown that fractures, especially among middle-aged and elderly people, will increase in winter. According to some analyzes circulating on the Internet, many elderly people are unwilling to go out to exercise when it is cold, and the time they are exposed to the sun is shorter, resulting in greater calcium loss in the body. This is also the reason why "bones become brittle in winter." Many clinicians also use this statement in clinical diagnosis.

Experts say that the above statement is specious and unscientific. In fact, the person who said this is changing the concept. They say that when the weather is cold, many people go out for less exercise and spend less time in the sun, which does affect the normal absorption and ossification of calcium and phosphorus and leads to greater calcium loss from the body. This is not a scientific question. But the thing is it doesn't necessarily lead to brittle bones in the winter. The problem of bone calcium loss caused by reduced exercise and sun exposure in winter can be fully compensated through spring, summer and autumn. In addition, the brittleness of human bones is also a long and gradual process.

The question now is, since winter does not cause bones to become brittle, why are there more patients with fractures in winter?

Experts believe that this is mainly due to two factors: First, external environmental factors. Many places have cold winters and the ground often becomes hard, making it easier for people to slip in ice and snow. Second, when people enter the cold winter, the clothes they wear will become thicker, so their movements will become more clumsy, especially for middle-aged and elderly people. Therefore, slips and fractures are more likely to occur in winter than in other seasons.

In order to prevent slips and falls caused by various internal and external factors in winter as much as possible, experts said it is necessary to strengthen personal physical coordination and balance exercises. For example, many middle-aged and elderly people like to practice Tai Chi, which is a very good way. Long-term exercise will greatly improve their ability in this area, thereby reducing the occurrence of fractures. Also, standing on one leg regularly is a good way to do this. Especially middle-aged and elderly people should try more. Although it is unscientific to say that bones will become brittle in winter, it is still very important for middle-aged and elderly people to exercise regularly and get more sun.