Prevention

Although genetic factors will determine whether an individual is at heightened risk of osteoporosis, lifestyle factors can influence the acquisition of bone mass in youth and the rate of bone loss later in life.

Childhood to Adolescence

The prevention of osteoporosis begins with optimal bone mass acquisition during growth. Bones are living tissue, and the skeleton grows continually from birth to the end of the teen years, reaching a maximum strength and size (peak bone mass) in early adulthood. An efficient way of preventing osteoporotic fractures is to build up the strongest bones possible during childhood and adolescence.

Children and adolescents should:

• ensure an adequate calcium intake which meets the relevant dietary recommendations in the country or region concerned
• avoid undernutrition and protein malnutrition
• maintain an adequate supply of vitamin D through sufficient exposure to the sun or oral supplementation
• increase the level of physical activity
• avoid smoking
• educate adolescents about the risk of high alcohol consumption

Adulthood

Bone mass acquired during youth is an important determinant of the risk of osteoporotic fracture during later life. The higher the peak bone mass, the lower the risk of osteoporosis.

Once peak bone mass has been reached, it is maintained by a process called "remodelling." Remodelling is a continuous process in which old bone is removed (resorption) and new bone is created (formation). The renewal of bone is responsible for bone strength throughout life. During childhood and the beginning of adulthood, bone formation is more important than bone resorption. In later life, however, the rate of bone resorption is greater than the rate of bone formation and results in net bone loss. Any factor which causes a higher rate of bone remodelling will ultimately lead to a more rapid loss of bone mass and thus more fragile bones.

The above nutritional and lifestyle criteria for building strong bones in youths is also applicable to adults to prevent excessive bone loss:

• Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake (recommendations range from country-to country, varying between 800 to 1500 mg per day, also depending on age)
• weight-bearing exercise
• no smoking
• avoid heavy drinking

Persons at middle age and beyond should follow these fundamental principles. They should also assess their risk of developing osteoporosis and, with medical advice, consider medications to help maintain an optimal bone mass and to prevent/decrease the risk of fracture.

Calcium-rich foods Dairy foods such as whole or skim milk, Curd and cheese are rich in calcium that is easily absorbed by the body. Some calcium-fortified beverages (such as orange juices or soy milk) may contain as much
calcium as milk. Certain vegetables and fruits (e.g. beans etc.) also provide calcium, as does fish containing bones (canned salmon and sardines). Too much salt and caffeine may increase the loss of calcium through the urine. Calcium content of some common foods: Food Calcium (Mg) Milk 297 mg/cup Curd 300 mg/cup Cheese 155 mg/cup Soya bean 90 mg/cup Green Vegetables 200 mg/cup

Prevent and protect against falls

Fractures occur in the elderly because of skeletal fragility and increased risk of falls. Some risk factors for falls in elderly people include poor muscle strength, postural instability, visual impairment, use of certain medications causing dizziness/drowsiness, and hazards indoors and outdoors. Therefore, for the aged population, effective prevention involves identifying and modifying their risk of falls, in addition to regular weight-bearing exercise (e.g., walking), and a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Any bone will break if the force is strong enough, but reducing the impact of the force may prevent fracture. Hip protectors have been developed to reduce the impact of trauma and protect the bone when a fall occurs from a standing position. Studies have demonstrated the protective value of hip protectors worn by vulnerable older women and men who have already sustained a fracture, particularly those in nursing homes.

Early diagnosis

Early diagnosis is the first step towards timely treatment and care for people who have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it. An awareness of one's personal risk for osteoporosis, especially after the age of 50, is a first step. People with risk factors for diagnosis should consider taking a bone mineral density (BMD) test. This quick, non-invasive and painless test measures bone mass and helps to determine if a person has osteoporosis and/or is at risk for bone fracture.

Read more about risk factors and diagnosis and take the One-Minute Osteoporosis Risk Test

Medication – safe and effective

Today there is a wide range of therapeutic options and several safe and effective pharmacological treatments that have been shown to act quickly (within one year) and to reduce the risk of fracture by up to 50%. It is important that the choice of treatment be tailored to a patient's specific medical needs and lifestyle. Read more about treatment.