Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones lose calcium and other mineral, become fragile and tend to fracture more easily. In Australia, osteoporosis affects one in two females and one in three males over the age of 60.

Given these statistics, preventing osteoporosis is an important national health priority. There are a number of things you can do now to help lower your risk of osteoporosis:

• Consume plenty of calcium-rich foods every day, throughout life. Dairy foods are the richest source of calcium in the Australian diet. 3 serves of dairy foods every day will ensure most people receive their recommended daily intake of calcium plus significant amounts of other bone strengthening nutrients.
• Participate in regular weight-bearing activity
• Ensure regular safe sun exposure for adequate vitamin D
• Moderate your alcohol and salt intake
• Avoid smoking

Dairy Australia’s ‘Osteoporosis’ fact sheet contains further information about:

• What is osteoporosis?
• Nutrition and bone health
• Tips to help prevent osteoporosis
• The role of calcium rich dairy foods in the prevention of osteoporosis

The information contained in the fact sheet has been reviewed by Osteoporosis Australia. Visit their website (see ‘relevant links’) for the latest on bone health.