Introduction
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent osteoporosis, such as taking calcium at a younger age. Studies have shown that taking calcium at a younger age can help to build strong bones and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. In this article, we will discuss the importance of taking calcium at a younger age and how it can help to prevent osteoporosis.
Taking Calcium at a Younger Age May Help Prevent Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures and breaks. While there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent it. One of the most important steps is to make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet.
Calcium is an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth. It helps to build and maintain bone density, which is important for preventing osteoporosis. Studies have shown that taking calcium at a younger age can help to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. This is because calcium helps to build strong bones when you are young, which can help to prevent the bone loss that occurs with age.
The best way to get enough calcium is through your diet. Foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fish are all good sources of calcium. If you are not getting enough calcium through your diet, you may want to consider taking a calcium supplement. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with certain medications.
Taking calcium at a younger age can help to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. Eating a balanced diet that includes calcium-rich foods and taking a calcium supplement can help to ensure that you are getting enough calcium to keep your bones strong and healthy.
Taking care of your bones is an important part of keeping your body in great shape as you get older. When a person loses bone density or mass as they age, they may develop osteoporosis, according to the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion also notes that osteoporosis is a disease that affects around 10 million people in the United States who are 50 years old or older. Beyond that, over 43 million people are at risk of osteoporosis due to low bone mass. While that might be cause for concern, a report has found that taking calcium supplements when you’re younger may help to prevent osteoporosis when you are older.
Read on to learn more about the research findings, and for more healthy aging tips check out 4 Healthy Brain Foods Recommended by a Neurologist.
In the eLife study, researchers from Wenzhou Medical University in China took a look at 43 randomized controlled trials that involved a total of over 7,300 participants under 35 years old. The trials focused on the effect of calcium alone, or calcium plus vitamin D, on bone mineral density as well as bone mineral content compared to either a placebo or a lack of treatment. Of the 43 trials, 23 concentrated on participants who relied on their diet for calcium, while 20 trials involved calcium supplementation.
The findings showed that taking calcium supplements before the age of 35 could benefit both the bone mineral density in the femoral neck and bone mineral content in the lumbar spine. There was also an improvement in both the bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the overall body.
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“[I]ntervention before young adults reach peak bone density might have a greater impact on bone health and prevent osteoporosis later,” said lead author Yupeng Liu, a researcher at the School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, China, according to EurekAlert!
“These study findings are exciting, as they shift our lens toward a preventative healthcare approach instead of a curative approach, where we only focus on health measures after experiencing disease and illness,” Megan Wong, RD, registered dietitian at AlgaeCal, who specializes in nutrition for osteoporosis and overall chronic disease management, tells Eat This, Not That!
This report’s findings also highlight the importance of starting to care for your bone health at an earlier age than many may suspect.
“Peak bone mass, which is when your bone density will be at its highest, is achieved around the ages of 25 to 30. It slowly goes downhill from there and, starting at the age of 40, we naturally lose around 1% of our bone density per year,” Wong says. “This is why it’s crucial to build up bone mass in your younger years. The more bone mass you start with, the less likely this natural bone loss will lead to osteoporosis and fractures.”
Wong also notes that “calcium itself isn’t enough to protect our bones.” Indeed, “in order for calcium to be properly absorbed and effectively do its job, it needs ‘helper’ nutrients.” Because of that, “when you’re shopping around for a calcium supplement, steer clear of ones that provide only calcium and look for added nutrients like vitamin D and magnesium.”
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