Osteoporosis is a condition in which there is loss of bone tissue resulting in weak, brittle bones. There is an increase in the risk of fracture due to the loss of bone strength.

Some of the factors associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis include:

• Female
• Advanced age
• White or Asian ethnic background
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Small body frame
• Early menopause
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity
• Lifelong low dietary calcium intake
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Certain medications, such as corticosteroids
• High caffeine consumption
• Prolonged hormonal imbalances such as hyperthyroidism and/or hyperparathyroidism
• History of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia

In osteoporosis that develops after menopause, the accelerated loss of bone is due to the loss of estrogen. Parathyroid function, calcium absorption and the conversion of vitamin D to its active form are also decreased. Postmenopausal osteoporosis affects women from one to twenty years after menopause.

In addition to ensuring adequate calcium (1000 mg to 1500 mg per day) and vitamin D (400 IU to 800 IU per day) intake and physical activity, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to prevent the development of osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy inhibits further bone loss with a resultant decrease in the fracture rate. However, once estrogen is discontinued, bone loss resumes. HRT can also be used to treat osteoporosis. If it develops, however, other prescription medications, such as Didrocal® or Fosamax®, are more commonly used.

Since the chances of osteoporosis are, in part, determined by the maximum amount of bone accumulated during growth, it is important to ensure adequate calcium intake for the formation of bone during childhood and young adulthood. Adolescents need 900 to 1400 mg of calcium per day while adults require 1000 mg of calcium daily. During pregnancy and while breastfeeding your calcium requirements increase by 500 mg per day. Adequate dietary calcium in the form of dairy products, fruits, vegetables and nuts is an important preventative measure. For instance, drinking three glasses (250 mL) of milk a day will supply an adult woman with the recommended daily amount of calcium. Other good sources of calcium are listed below.

Ask at the customer service desk in store or book a Nutrition Tour online to discover the many ways that you can increase your daily intake of calcium and incorporate healthy eating habits into your everyday meal plans.

Certain conditions or treatments increase the rate of bone loss and increase the risk of fractures. Which of the following conditions or treatments do you think increase bone loss?

All of the above mentioned conditions or treatments may increase the rate of bone loss and increase the risk of fractures.

Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) is the best available method to diagnose osteoporosis. However, due to the costs involved, BMD measurements are not recommended as a mass screening tool and should be reserved for women at high risk.

Regular exercise is an extremely important preventative measure against the development of osteoporosis. Weightbearing exercise, such as walking, cycling and low impact aerobics, are most helpful. Other recommended exercises for osteoporosis prevention include: postural retraining such as pelvic tilts, abdominal strengthening exercise and gentle back extension exercise.