Osteoporosis :

Major public health issue in Asia

Free bone scans islandwide Fonterra, the marketers in Sri Lanka of premium-grade high-calcium milk powder ANLENE, has been at the forefront in a universal effort to fight osteoporosis, spending more than US$40 million on bone research and development.

“A lot has been invested in understanding osteoporosis and its prevention. The research also included 15 human clinical trials on bone health in the last eight years”, a spokesman for the global dairy giant said.

Anlene has invested heavily into technology that provides ultrasound bone scans, conducting free bone health check programmes nationwide, along with its partnership with Nawaloka Hospitals. However, public awareness and education programmes can go only so far. Individuals must recognize the severity of the problem and make a conscious decision to make changes to their lifestyles. According to the IOF, only then can we create a world without osteoporosis.

Often regarded as an affliction of the western world, osteoporosis has now struck the heart of Asia, affecting one in three women over 50, according to a report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

The IOF Asian Audit Report found that the incidence of hip fracture has risen two to three-fold in most Asian countries over the last few decades, with Singapore recording a staggering increase of 500 percent.

In Sri Lanka, a recent study presented at the Scientific Sessions of the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka showed that 45 percent of post-menopausal women who were tested for their Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and Bone Mineral Content (BMC) were osteopenic or prone to the disease, while 32 percent were confirmed to have osteoporosis.

The IOF blames a serious lack of awareness as the main reason why osteoporosis is on the rise, while emphasizing that the life-threatening disease is preventable.

Osteoporosis simply means ‘porous bone’ and is a condition characterized by a weak bone structure and density.

Hip fracture is reported to be among the worst manifestations of osteoporosis and most victims suffer from further complications including chronic pain, disability and a diminished quality of life.

Although it is more common in women over 50 and men over 60, osteoporosis can strike at any age and without warning. So what is IOF’s message to women, as well as men? Maintain a healthy diet, adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D and moderate exercise in order to drive away osteoporosis. Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol are also contributing factors.

The IOF report noted that widespread vitamin D deficiency and low calcium intake throughout Asia are also important factors to consider in understanding bone health issues in the region. The average dietary calcium intake for the adult Asian population is only 450 mg/day, far below the FAO/WHO recommendations for calcium intake. As suggested by the IOF, the problem is that there is a serious lack of awareness about osteoporosis in the general public in most countries.

Ranathunga, R.M.T.K, Gayani, W.A.S. & Silva, K.D.R.R (2009) Association of current calcium intake and bone strength among postmenopausal women. Department of Applied Nutrition, Faculty of Livestock, Fisheries and Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila (60170), Sri Lanka.