Women in 50's face danger of osteoporosis

About 80 percent of women are estimated to be calcium-deficient. This means that they get only 400 milligrams of calcium a day considering that 750 milligrams are recommended for 19-49 year old females and 800 milligrams for 50 year- olds.

According to the US-based National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is four times more common in women than in men. Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease where bones become thin and brittle due to insufficient calcium intake. It is often not diagnosed until a fracture happens, usually in the hip, wrist or spine.
Menopause also accelerates bone loss in women. Hormonal changes in women, like menopause, can significantly reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium. The sex hormone, estrogen which a woman produces, is essential in the maintenance of bone strength. When a woman reaches menopause, a rapid decline in the production of estrogen happens. A decrease in estrogen levels means less absorption of calcium. Therefore, women going through menopause face a higher risk of osteoporosis.

The first seven years after menopause, or around the ages 50-60 years, is the most vulnerable time when most bone loss occurs.
Post-menopausal women are more likely to develop osteoporosis if they:

• smoke.
• get little or no exercises;
• are thin or small-boned
• drink large amounts of alcohol or caffeine; and
• have a family member with osteoporosis.

What a woman can do in going through menopause is to:

• get adequate amounts of calcium in the diet;
• increase vitamin D intake;
• quit smoking;
• exercise regularly; and
• eat a healthy and balanced diet

Following these recommendations may eliminate the dangers ofhaving osteoporosis after menopause and in later life.

For more information on calcium or any food and nutrition concern, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. Email mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com. Tel/Fax: 837-2934; 837-3164; 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website at http://www.fnri.gov.ph.

FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service
Regina M. Pagaspas