If you think osteoporosis is just an elderly woman’s disease, think again. In fact, it can affect anyone, including men, at any age!
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, globally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men, over age 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures during their lifetime. It causes over 8.9 million fractures annually, resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every 3 seconds!
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become porous and fragile, making them prone to fractures even from minor impacts or falls. Often, it develops without noticeable symptoms, so you might not realize it is weakening your bones until a fracture occurs, typically at the hip, spine, or wrist. Osteoporosis can lead to chronic back pain, changes in posture, and loss of height. It may also impair your ability to walk, potentially resulting in disability or even death.
Your risk is higher if you are a woman over 50, menopausal, or have a family history of osteoporosis. An inactive lifestyle, heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and insufficient calcium intake can also increase your susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures.
How does osteoporosis develop?
Bones are living tissues that constantly undergo remodelling. During childhood and adolescence, bone formation occurs faster than bone breakdown, leading to an increase in bone mass until it peaks in the 30s.
Then, with advancing age, bone breakdown begins to outpace bone formation, resulting in a loss of bone mass. This makes bones less dense and more susceptible to fractures.
Optimising bone health
Once osteoporosis develops, it cannot be reversed, but with proper nutrition, diet and lifestyle habits, it is highly preventable. Thus, it is critically important to start building healthy, strong bones early in life.
Calcium is the key nutrient for optimum bone growth and maintenance. The Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) of calcium for Malaysian adults is 800-1000mg per day.
Yet, many of us still fall short of our daily calcium requirements. To ensure optimal absorption, look for calcium in liquid form, as it is more readily absorbed by the body. It is most effective when taken in doses of 500-600mg per intake.
Go beyond calcium
When it comes to maximising bone strength and preventing osteoporosis, calcium alone might not be enough. Other essential co-factors like magnesium, vitamin D3, boron, zinc, manganese, and copper also play crucial roles, working together to optimise bone health.
Magnesium plays an important role in the absorption and utilisation of calcium, while also preventing unabsorbed calcium from depositing in arteries, joints, tendons, or forming kidney stones. On the other hand, vitamin D3 facilitates calcium absorption and promotes bone formation.
Boron is increasingly recognised as a key trace mineral for bone growth. It helps activate vitamin D, which in turn improves calcium absorption from the small intestine, facilitates calcium deposition into the bones, and reduces urinary calcium loss. It also contributes to joint comfort and flexibility. A highly bioavailable source of boron is FruiteX-B, a patented plant-based form known for its remarkable effectiveness.
Supply your body with all the bone-building nutrients it needs, so you can stay active and enjoy a vibrant life well into your golden years.
