What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become porous and prone to fracture, even with mild impact from minor bump or fall. It usually develops without any tell-tale symptoms. You might not aware that it is robbing you of your bone mass until a fracture occurs, most commonly at the hip, spine or wrist. It can lead to chronic back pain, change in posture or loss of height. It can also impair your ability to walk and result in disability or even death.
How does osteoporosis develop? Bones are living tissues that constantly undergo remodelling. During childhood and adolescence, the bones are formed faster than are broken down. There is a net increase in bone mass until it reaches its peak in the 30s. Then, with advancing age, the bone breakdown overtakes bone formation resulting in a loss of bone mass that leaves the bones less dense and more likely to fracture.
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 in your early years. Calcium is the key nutrient for optimum bone growth and maintenance. The Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) of calcium is 800-1000mg per day for Malaysian adults.
Go beyond calcium When it comes to maximising bone strength and preventing osteoporosis, calcium alone might not be enough. It also requires other essential co-factors such as magnesium, vitamin D3, boron, zinc, manganese and copper which work in synergy for optimised bone health. Magnesium plays an important role in the absorption and utilisation of calcium, as well as preventing the 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.
