Every 3 Seconds, a Fracture Happens
When you think of osteoporosis, you might picture elderly women. The truth is, it can affect anyone, including men. Around 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Worldwide, that adds up to about 37 million fractures every year, which means 70 fractures happening every single minute.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent thief” because it weakens your bones quietly until a fracture suddenly happens. The most common areas are the hip, spine, and wrist. These fractures cause pain, reduce mobility, affect independence, and in severe cases, can lead to disability or even death.
What makes osteoporosis especially concerning is that it often goes unnoticed for years. Many people are unaware they have the condition until a fracture occurs. By then, bone loss is already significant. This is why regular check-ups, bone density scans, and proactive care are so important. Early detection gives you the chance to take steps to protect your bone health before a serious fracture disrupts your quality of life.
Are You at Risk?
Bones are living tissues that constantly renew themselves. During childhood and adolescence, bone formation happens faster than bone breakdown. This helps build strong bones, with peak bone mass usually reached in the 30s. After that, bone breakdown slowly overtakes bone formation. As the bones become more porous, osteoporosis becomes more likely.
The risk of osteoporosis increases if you:
- Are a woman over 50
- Are menopausal
- Have a family history of osteoporosis
- Lead an inactive lifestyle
- Smoke heavily
- Consume alcohol excessively
- Have poor dietary habits or insufficient calcium intake
Why Bone Health Matters
In Malaysia, many adults are not getting enough calcium. The Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for adults is 800 to 1,000 mg per day, yet studies show the average Malaysian consumes less than half of that amount. Over time, this deficiency weakens the bones and raises the risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis cannot be reversed once it develops, but it is highly preventable. The key is to build strong bones early in life through proper nutrition, a balanced diet, and an active lifestyle. Aim for calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, tofu, leafy greens, and fortified products. If your diet alone is insufficient, supplements can help. Liquid calcium is often absorbed more easily by the body. Regular weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, or dancing also play an important role in keeping bones strong.
Building Strong Bones
Supplementation can be a valuable way to increase calcium levels in the body. Calcium works best when combined with other essential nutrients that support bone health. Among the most important are:
a) Calcium: The foundation of strong, healthy bones.
b) Magnesium: Helps the body absorb and utilise calcium effectively, while also supporting bone density.
c) Vitamin D3: Improves calcium absorption and supports bone formation.
d) Boron: Enhances vitamin D activity, improves calcium absorption, and reduces calcium loss in urine. A patented, plant-based form called FruiteX-B® offers excellent bioavailability.
Strong bones today mean a stronger, healthier tomorrow. The earlier you start caring for your bones, the better your protection against osteoporosis in the future.
