Fat makes up about 70% of the bone marrow. Like other types of adipose tissues, bone marrow fat stores energy and produces hormones. It’s the third largest fat deposit in the human body.
The location of this fat reserve allows bones to access energy as needed. In addition, bones need fat to absorb vitamins K, D, and A. These three vitamins play a vital role in helping bones absorb calcium. Without sufficient bone marrow fat, bones aren’t able to grow and develop enough calcification.
Research also shows that a healthy reserve of bone marrow fat helps fight cancerous tumors and other diseases affecting the bones and blood.
Bone marrow fat levels tend to increase with age. While this fat reserve is necessary to support bone growth and regulate energy levels, an excess of bone marrow fat can contribute to osteoporosis and estrogen deficiency in women.