Dietary deficiency major risk factor for osteoporosis in women, say experts

Dietary deficiency which can be prevented is a major risk factor for osteoporosis in women said experts on ThursdayNational Nutrition Week is observed annually from September 1 to September 7 The theme this year is lsquoNutritious Diets for EveryonersquoOsteoporosis is a bone disease that weakens bones making them thinner and more susceptible to fractures The disease majorly affects women particularly after menopause Six crore people in India reportedly have osteoporosis and 80 per cent of them are womenA decline in oestrogen levels the female hormone essential for healthy bones directly affects bone density explains why women are more at riskldquoThe most important cause of osteoporosis is a dietary deficiency which can be prevented with a recommended dietary allowance of 1200 gm per day of calcium and intake of vitamin 500800iu every dayrdquo Dr Uma Kumar Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS New Delhi told IANSMajor sources of proper nutrition to fight osteoporosis risk include egg milk almonds green leafy vegetables oranges cheese beans cod liver oil liver yogurt salmon mushrooms and tuna fish the expert saidSome risk factors include high intake of steroids previous history of fractures advancing age low body weight family history of hip fracture alcohol smoking and rheumatoid arthritis People living in polar regions or with poor sunlight exposure can also be at riskWhile the disease majorly strikes in old age the care must begin from the youth the experts saidldquoWomen should ideally begin focusing on bone health from a young age as bone mass peaks in the early 20s By maintaining a nutrientrich diet and engaging in regular weightbearing exercise women can build and preserve bone density reducing their risk of osteoporosis later in liferdquo Dr Lalit Kumar Lohia Consultant Orthopaedics Manipal Hospital Dwarka New Delhi told IANSLohia noted that osteoporosis is a ldquosilent diseaserdquo because it typically progresses without noticeable symptoms until a bone fracture occursHowever there are some early signs that women should be aware ofldquoLow back pain is a frequent complaint This pain may be persistent and is sometimes mistaken for normal ageing Additionally women with osteoporosis may experience generalised body pain and an unusual level of fatigue The fragility of bones becomes evident when even minor injuries lead to fractures especially in the hips wrists or spinerdquo the doctor saidWhat are the tests that can indicate osteoporosis riskKumar told IANS that all postmenopausal women above 65 age should be screened for osteoporosis for vitamin D calcium ionised calcium and phosphate blood levels and bone mass density along with risk factors like creatinine thyroid for secondary causes and body weightldquoWomen must ideally begin screening from postmenopausal age based on risk factors and previous history of fractures But if they are less than 65 years and risk factors are present then they should be screened In the case of diabetics women must begin at age 40rdquo Kumar saidPostmenopausal women above age 40 can also go for a fracture risk assessment tool FRAX a test that can help determine a patients 10year risk of hip fracture and other major osteoporotic fractures the expert addedThe experts advised foods with high calcium content like milk and dairy products like eggs fruits and foods fortified with Vitamin D Adequate sunlight exposure may also helpThey also stressed the need for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week Moderateintensity aerobic activity cycling or fast walking weightbearing and resistance exercise are particularly important to prevent osteoporosis Quit smoking and alcohol consumption is also imperativeLohia noted that even after menopause when the rate of bone loss accelerates due to lower oestrogen levels continuing to prioritise bone health can make a significant difference in preventing fractures and maintaining the quality of lifeAlso Read National Nutrition Week Uncover the hidden power of nutrition on womens health mdash An expert guideThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever