Managing our bone health

How can we prevent osteoporosis? We can do so first and foremost by reducing the risk factors. It has been well established that a sufficient supply of calcium and vitamin D is of vital importance. Moreover, the fight against the disease is a lifelong struggle to the extent that, as mentioned by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the earlier we adopt a healthy lifestyle the earlier we will reap the benefits thereof.

According to Professor Reginster, it would prove useful to prescribe small supplements of calcium and/or vitamin D for children who are deficient in these, especially during their growing years. In addition to pills and tablets, there are also caramels or chewing gums containing these two elements. A sufficient supply of protein is also indispensable given the importance of the bone matrix protein.


Prevention is primarily aimed at females at the beginning of menopause and, to a lesser extent, males aged between 60-65. For these groups, the prescription of calcium and vitamin D is often recommended. Yet, preventing osteoporosis is not limited to these measures. The article published in 2011 in Osteoporosis International by researchers and clinicians who are members of the Belgian Bone Club sets out the guidelines for the non-pharmacological management of osteoporosis. In addition to the question of nutrition, already mentioned above, the accent is placed on physical exercise. We mentioned the interest of the piezoelectric currents, favourable to the action of osteoblasts and thus to the maintenance of good bone structure. Exercise also favours the conservation of muscle-tone in elderly persons, thus reducing the risks of falls and hip fracture. According to the authors of the article, individual muscle strengthening and balance exercises can reduce the number of falls and subsequent injury by 35%. However, cessation of physical activity in this section of the population leads rapidly to so-called hypodynamia (absence of movement), a classic example of which can be found in astronauts who lose 20% of their bone mass during two months spent in space.