What causes bone disease?

Bone disease is caused by toxic metal exposure, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and disrupted bone metabolism. Cadmium and aluminum toxicity interfere with calcium absorption and bone mineralization, leading to weakened bones. Other causes include vitamin D deficiency, parathyroid hormone imbalances, chronic kidney disease, and conditions that increase bone turnover like hyperthyroidism or certain cancers.

What is the best test for bone disease?

The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for bone disease because it measures alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme that directly reflects bone turnover and metabolism activity. Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels indicate active bone remodeling or bone disease progression. The Cadmium Blood test and Aluminum Blood test are essential supporting tests that detect toxic metal exposure, which can be hidden causes of bone problems. These three tests together identify both the biochemical markers of bone disease and potential environmental causes affecting bone health.

When should I get tested for bone disease?

You should get tested if you experience frequent bone fractures, unexplained bone pain, loss of height, or have a family history of osteoporosis. Testing is also important if you are postmenopausal, have a history of smoking or heavy alcohol use, take long-term corticosteroid medications, or have been exposed to industrial metals like cadmium or aluminum. Early detection through blood testing helps identify underlying causes before significant bone loss occurs.

What are the symptoms of bone disease?

Bone disease symptoms include persistent bone or joint pain, frequent fractures from minor falls, loss of height over time, and stooped posture. You might notice back pain from collapsed vertebrae, weakened grip strength, or bones that break more easily than expected. Many people with early bone disease have no symptoms at all, which is why blood testing and bone density screening are important for at-risk individuals.

Who is at risk for bone disease?

People at higher risk include postmenopausal women, older adults over 65, individuals with family history of osteoporosis, and those with low body weight or small frame. Risk increases with long-term corticosteroid use, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and diets low in calcium and vitamin D. Workers exposed to heavy metals like cadmium (welding, battery manufacturing) or aluminum (mining, construction) face additional toxic exposure risks that damage bone health.

What happens if bone disease is left untreated?

Untreated bone disease leads to progressive bone weakening, resulting in fractures from minimal trauma or even daily activities. Hip fractures can cause permanent disability and loss of independence, while spinal fractures lead to chronic pain, height loss, and curved spine deformity. Severe bone disease increases mortality risk, especially in older adults who experience hip fractures. Early detection through blood testing and appropriate treatment can prevent these serious complications.

Can bone disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests cannot diagnose bone disease alone but are essential for identifying underlying causes and monitoring bone metabolism. The Liver Function Profile measures alkaline phosphatase, which reflects bone turnover activity. Blood tests for cadmium and aluminum detect toxic metal exposure that damages bones. Additional blood work can measure calcium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and other markers that affect bone health. Bone disease diagnosis requires combining blood test results with bone density scans and imaging studies.

How is bone disease treated?

Treatment focuses on strengthening bones, preventing fractures, and addressing underlying causes. Medications like bisphosphonates, denosumab, or hormone therapy slow bone loss and increase bone density. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation supports bone mineralization. Weight-bearing exercises and strength training help maintain bone strength. If blood tests reveal toxic metal exposure, eliminating the source and chelation therapy may be necessary. Treatment plans are individualized based on bone density results, blood test findings, and fracture risk.

How can I prevent bone disease?

Prevention includes consuming adequate calcium (1,000-1,200 mg daily) and vitamin D (800-1,000 IU daily) through diet and supplements. Regular weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or resistance training strengthen bones throughout life. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to no more than two drinks daily. Get regular bone density screenings starting at age 65 for women and 70 for men, or earlier if you have risk factors. Minimize exposure to toxic metals by using proper safety equipment in industrial settings.

What natural remedies help with bone disease?

Natural approaches to support bone health include eating calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified products, along with vitamin D from sunlight exposure and fatty fish. Magnesium, vitamin K2, and boron supplements support calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Weight-bearing exercises and resistance training naturally stimulate bone formation. Reducing inflammation through omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may slow bone loss. While these natural strategies support bone health, they should complement rather than replace medical treatment for diagnosed bone disease.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Bone Disease Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Bone Disease Blood Test

What is Bone Disease?

Bone disease is a group of conditions that weaken bone strength and density, including osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and increased fracture risk. It is caused by toxic metal exposure (cadmium and aluminum), calcium metabolism disruption, and elevated bone turnover enzymes. The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for bone disease because it measures alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme that indicates bone metabolism activity and potential bone disorders.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]