Abstract
Osteoporosis is a bone health related condition that weakens the bones, making individuals fragile and prone to breaks. Nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. Calcium helps in building and maintaining bone mass while vitamin D aids in the absorption and utilization of calcium. According to WHO, 28.8% men and 32.3% women in Indonesia have osteoporosis, and this is inspite of the international recommendations for the daily intake of calcium and vitamin D intake. This could be attributed to low community awareness on how to prevent and care for osteoporosis. Several high-risk population groups have been identified such as those with osteopenia, undergoing rehabilitation and pregnancy/lactation periods. Therefore, in this review, an expert panel comprising of specialties of dietetics, rehabilitation medicine, orthopaedic, obstetrics & gynaecology, pharmacology, and geriatrics, convened to provide an evidence-based guidance on the prevention and care for osteoporosis. The recommendations are as follows: (i) It is important to know that calcium and vitamin D work synergistically to maintain bone health. (ii) The intake of calcium and vitamin D must start early. (iii) We should be aware that our diet and lifestyle today does not allow us to meet the recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D required for optimal bone health. (iv) Supplementation can compensate for the deficits in both calcium and vitamin D intake, thereby strengthening bone health. This study could guide the primary health care team, who plays a critical role in community care, to encourage early bone health awareness and care in Indonesia.
Highlights
The skeletal system comprises of bones and connective tissues, and is important in protecting our organs and muscles, supporting the production of new blood cells, and regulating calcium homeostasis [1]
A study in Indonesia showed that 40.6% of Indonesian women aged 20-29 years had a low peak bone mass, indicating that a higher proportion of women could face the risk of fractures in the 20 years when they reach menopause, which is the typical onset of decreased bone mass and an increased risk of osteoporosis
This study showed that lower levels of calcium intake during childhood or adolescence, calculated using the historical calcium index (HCI), could potentially influence the peak bone mass of women
Summary
The skeletal system comprises of bones and connective tissues, and is important in protecting our organs and muscles, supporting the production of new blood cells, and regulating calcium homeostasis [1]. Bone health is International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences 2020; 9(2): 54-62 increasingly important with age, as older adults experience bone loss, which increases the risk of bone fractures [2]. One condition that weakens the bones, making them fragile and prone to breaks is osteoporosis. This condition builds up over a period gradually, not visible until the individual experiences a fall or sudden impact. Pregnancy and breastfeeding periods put extra demand on women’s bone health. Bone loss during pregnancy and breastfeeding is usually recovered after the period ends. Rehabilitation refers to the restoration of health post injury or illness and is required to restore muscle and bone strength. Success of rehabilitation in osteoporotic and fractured individuals have improved their overall quality of life [6]
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