Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass and mechanical strength resulting in susceptibility to fractures. It is the primary cause of bone fractures in women after menopause and the elderly in general.
Osteoporosis does not have a definite beginning and, until recently, the first visible sign of the disease used to be a fracture of the hip, wrist or vertebral body that causes pain or deformity.
Osteoporosis is a serious disease, both for its implications as its frequency is increasing mainly due to an aging population. In osteoporosis, Prevention is the key. It can act at three levels: diet, exercise and lifestyle.
Diet
All Public Health International Agencies agree that diet is critical in preventing osteoporosis. Many studies emphasize the relationship between calcium intake and decreased number of fractures (especially hip). This relationship is maintained throughout life, and is especially important at certain stages, such as childhood, adolescence and menopause ..
