Osteoporosis Prevention and Nutrition
All ABOUTH OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis Prevention and Nutrition

 


OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION AND NUTRITION
 
Although genetic factors largely determine the size and density of bones, lifestyle factors such as good nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol also play a key role. 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 through:
  • Sufficient Calcium intake
  • Maintaining adequate supply of vitamin D through sufficient exposure to the sun and through diet
  • Avoiding undernutrition and protein malnutrition
  • Participating in regular physical activity
  • Avoid smoking
From the 40s onwards, bone loss starts to increase more than bone gain and accelerates in postmenopausal women. In men, the loss of bone mass starts at the age of 50 but process of the loss is slower. Preventive measures may decelerate bone loss at this stage. Proper nutrition including a diet sufficient in calcium, vitamin D and protein is of importance for protecting against loss of bone mass and for maintaining bone strength.
Milk and dairy products are a convenient source of calcium for many people. They are also a good source of protein. Green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, curved kale and certain fishes and almond are some of the calcium rich aliments. At least 1,200 mg of elemental calcium per day is recommended to prevent fractures and bone loss in people aged 50 years and older. If this amount is not supplied by the diet calcium supplements should be taken.
Vitamin D plays a key role for bone health, calcium absorption, muscle strength, balance and for preventing risk of falls. 800-900 IU of vitamin D per day is recommended for adults 50 years and older. Vitamin D supplementation treatment is recommended in case of insufficient dietary vitamin D intake. Protein undernutrition also robs the muscles of mass and strength, heightening the risk of falls and fractures, and it contributes to poor recovery in patients who have had a fracture. 1gr of protein per kg body weight per day is recommended.
Weight-bearing and muscle strengthening, and balance exercises are recommended to reduce the risk of falls and fracture. Exercises may promote higher bone density. A regular, well-structured exercise regimen is a necessary component in osteoporosis prevention and in overall health of people of all age groups. Healthcare provider’s examination before beginning an exercise program is essential. Awareness on risk factors for falls and preventing measures are important for fracture prevention (See: Chapter: Risk factors for fall).
 
Adequate Intakes for Calcium:
 
Age                                        Mg/day
Birth to 12 months                      400 mg
1-3 years                                   500 mg
4-6 years                                   600
7-9 years                                   700
10-18 years                               1300
19 years-menopause                  1000
Post-menopause                        1200
Pregnant                                   1200
Men 19-65 years                        1000
Men 50+years                            1200
 
 
Selected Food Sources of Calcium:

 

Food
Serving Size (average)
Calcium (mg)
Milk, semi-skimmed glass, 200 ml 240
Milk skimmed glass, 200 ml 244
Milk whole glass, 200 ml 236
Ayran glass, 200 ml 280
Yoghurt, low-fat, fruit Pot, 150 g 210
Yoghurt, low-fat, plain pot, 150 g 243
Kashkaval cheese a thick slice (45 g) 146
Lor Cheese ½ pot 301
Broccoli, boiled serving, 85 g 34
Curly Kale serving, 95 g 143
Almonds 12 whole, 26 g 62
Sesame seeds 1 tablespoon, 12 g 80
Hazelnuts 20 whole, 20 g 28
Walnuts 12 halves, 40 g 38
Rice pudding average portion, 200 g 176
Ice cream, dairy, vanilla average serving, 75 g 75
Cheescake average slice, 120 g 94
Sardines in oil, tinned portion, 100 g 500
White bread slice, 30 g 53
Apricots 4 fruit, 160 g 117
Figs 4 fruit, 220 g 506
Orange peeled, 160 g 75
Omelets, cheese 2 eggs, 120 g 344
Lasagna portion, 420 g 420
Macaroni cheese portion, 220 g 374
Pizza, cheese & tomato 410 g 873