Osteoporosis

About osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is characterised by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone architecture, resulting in bone fragility and subsequently increased risk of fractures. With osteoporosis the bone is normal in composition, but deficient in quantity, quality and structural integrity. Osteoporosis has many contributing factors that include age, sex, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle.

For more information, see Osteoporosis.

Video: Osteoporosis and our bones

Bones are an important part of our bodies that we don't think about too much. Dr Joe Kosterich talks about the causes, signs, diagnosis, prevention, management and concerns of osteoporosis.

Watch the video Osteoporosis and Our Bones.

Nutrition and osteoporosis

Video: Nutrition and bone health

More than half of Australian teenagers aren't receiving their daily calcium requirements. Professor Weaver discusses health problems associated with calcium deficiency and strategies for improving nutrition.

Watch the video Nutrition and Bone Health.

Dairy

Children and adolescents should be encouraged to consume dairy products because this is the period of their lives in which they are building their peak bone mass and developing lifelong habits. Dairy products are generally defined as food products that are produced from milk. They are the major food source of calcium and protein in most developed countries.

For more information, see Dairy.

Calcium Intake Calculator

How much calcium do you consume?

Calcium is found in many foods, in particular dairy products and to a lesser degree bony fish, nuts and legumes, fruit and vegetables. It plays an important role in building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

Individuals need to consume sufficient amounts of calcium throughout their lifespan. Calcium requirements increase throughout childhood, peak during puberty, then stabilise until an individual is approximately 50 years old, when bone mass deteriorates and more calcium is required.

Click here to calculate your required calcium intake

Nutrition in adolescent girls

Adolescence is the transition period between childhood and adulthood; a window of opportunity for the improvement of nutritional status and correcting poor nutritional practices. This is about the same period puberty sets in, typically between the ages of 10 and 13 years in girls. Adolescent nutrition is important for supporting the physical growth of the body and for preventing future health problems.

For more information, see Nutrition in Adolescent Girls.

Nutrition in mature women

Nutritional status in old age is as important as in any other stage of the life cycle. Generally, energy needs decrease and protein requirements increase as you age. The risk of developing osteoporosis increases once a woman has reached menopause, and more calcium is needed to adjust for hormonal changes in the body.

For more information, see Nutrition in Mature Women.

More information

For more information on nutrition, including information on types and composition of food, nutrition and people, conditions related to nutrition, and diets and recipes, as well as some useful videos and tools, see Nutrition.