Osteoporosis is a condition that results in the loss of bone strength, or bone density. It leads to fragile bones with increased susceptibility to fracture, bones become weak with a high risk of breaking. It occurs when bones lose minerals, such as calcium, faster than the body can replace them.
According to Osteoporosis Australia, an estimated 1.2 million Australians are affected by osteoporosis. Bone mass or bone density declines after 35 years of age. Women sufferers are greater than male sufferers. Bone loss is more rapid in women after menopause.
Osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent disease” because people usually do not notice their bones becoming thinner and weaker until they break! As the disease progresses, even a slight bump or fall can cause a serious fracture.
Risk factors that lead to the development of osteoporosis include:
Increasing age
Being female
Family history of osteoporosis
Low vitamin D levels
Low calcium intake
Low body weight
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Physical inactivity
Long-term corticosteroid use
Reduced oestrogen levels (e.g. post-menopause)
People with osteoporosis have no symptoms until bone fracture takes place. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, your community pharmacist can advise on diet, appropriate supplements if you need them, and what type of exercise would be best.
Your pharmacist can also help with advice, support and products to help you give up smoking.
The diagnosis of Osteoporosis can be suggested by an X-ray test and confirmed by taking the test which measures bone density.
Sometimes a physician will prescribe medicine to reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis, or to prevent it from worsening. Your pharmacist can guide you how and when to take these medications, what side effects to watch out for, and whether other medicines are appropriate.
Fortunately, the risk of developing osteoporosis can be decreased by maintaining healthy and strong bones. If you are concerned you may be at risk of developing osteoporosis, consult to your pharmacist or doctor.
Lifestyle changes also help improve the condition, including quitting cigarette smoking, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and consuming a balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D.
Calcium is a key to minimising the risk of osteoporosis and the recommended daily intake of calcium is about 1000mg for young adults, and for teenagers and older adults about 1300mg, a day is recommended.
This equates to three to five serves of dairy foods each day. However, calcium absorption is reduced (and, the risk of osteoporosis increased) by the lack of vitamin D as well as excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol, and many soft drinks.
If you are unable to get an adequate calcium intake from your diet, or if you can’t manufacture sufficient vitamin D from exposure to the sun, calcium and vitamin D supplements – both of which are evidence-based complementary medicines – may be required.
Ours pharmacists can advise on tips to increase calcium intake and improve vitamin D levels, appropriate supplements if you need them, check the medicines you are taking and recommend what type of exercise would be best for you.
