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|  Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bones become fragile, porous and more likely to break. The whole skeleton is affected but, typically, breaks occur in the hip, spine, ribs and wrist. Of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine – hip fractures almost always result in hospitalisation and major surgery and spinal fractures can lead to height loss, deformity and severe, chronic back pain.
Whilst this disease can affect both men and women, women are 4 times more likely to develop it. It is so prevalent that it is thought that as many as 50% of women and 25% of men over the age of 50 will have a bone fracture due to osteoporosis. There are several schools of thought on the explanation for the increase of osteoporosis, but generally these are: · Reduced oestrogen production during and after the menopause – oestrogen helps keep calcium in your bones. · Progesterone deficiency – your body ceases to produce this female hormone once ovulation stops. · Lack of exercise during your life – particularly weight bearing and resistance exercise – that helps to build and maintain your skeleton. · Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption both lead to accelerated bone density loss – smoking 20 cigarettes a day can lead to as much as 20% loss! · High protein diets – protein-rich foods are acid forming and the body uses the calcium stored in your bones to neutralise this acidity. Useful supplements: Calcium is one of the most important minerals involved in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Research has shown that taking 500mg of calcium (plus 17.5mcg of vitamin D) per day can halve the risk of bone fractures in older men & women. Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in preventing osteoporosis by maintaining healthy bones and increasing bone density. Because it works closely with calcium, they should be taken in combination for them to be most effective. Magnesium also helps to convert vitamin D into a useable form. Vitamin C has recently been linked to improved bone density due to both its anti-oxidant ability and the fact that it improves collagen formation – a protein that strengthens bones. Vitamin D is critical in ensuring that calcium is absorbed into the body, helps with bone formation and plays a large part in maintaining bone density. It has been shown that, in combination with calcium, vitamin D can increase bone density and decrease fractures in older postmenopausal women. Zinc deficiency is associated with decreases in bone density. Trials have shown that zinc supplements may halve the risk of fractures due to osteoporosis by anything up to 50% - especially when taken in combination with the other minerals and vitamins listed here. For ease of use and to ensure a balanced intake, it is often wise to take a calcium/magnesium/zinc/vitamin D combination formula.
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