Treatment of osteopenia ("pre-osteoporosis") prevents osteopororsis

Treatment of osteopenia ("pre-osteoporosis") prevents osteopororsis

How often this happens...when you get your BMD done, it shows you in osteopenia range right, you are advised a few calcium supplements...and thats it you are done. Do you ever think of not letting it progress to osteoporosis.

The term "osteopenia" means "too little bone." It is not a disease. It refers to bone mineral density (BMD) that is not severe enough to indicate osteoporosis.

Bone mineral density is a measurement of the level of minerals in the bones, which shows how dense and strong they are. If your BMD is low compared to normal peak BMD, you are said to have osteopenia. Having osteopenia means there is a greater risk that, as time passes, you may develop BMD that is very low compared to normal, known as osteoporosis.

Osteopenia only slightly increases fracture risk.That's why its important to take care

Calcium The body cannot produce calcium; therefore, it must be absorbed through food. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts and soya are rich sources of calcium. Calcium supplements should be taken on the advice of a doctor. Good forms of calcium supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. But one should be careful not to get more than 2,000 mg of calcium a day.

 

Vitamin D supplementation- Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium. Foods which are rich in vitamin D are eggs, fatty fish like salmon, cereal and milk fortified with vitamin D. Sunlight is also a good source of vitamin D. 

Exercise especially weight-bearing exercises done at least three to four times a week such as walking, hiking, and dancing are all good choices necessary to maintain bone health. 

In addition to diet and exercise, quitting smoking and avoiding excessive use of alcohol and cola will also reduce your risk of bone loss.


Mrs Shilpa Mittal
Nutritionist and Diet Consultant
Founder Shilpsnutrilife - Diet and lifestylemakeover