Osteoporosis can afflict both men and women though women are at a higher risk after menopause due to drops in estrogen levels. When estrogen levels drop dramatically during and post menopause, bone loss accelerates. Bone building reaches its peak during the mid thirties, by the time we're 40 years old, bone loss exceeds bone building. By the time a diagnosis of osteoporosis is made, a significant amount of bone quality will have been lost.

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease that causes the bones to lose their mineral content (bone mineral density - BMD) and become very fragile resulting in fractures and breaks. The bones become porous and weak but the disease itself can remain symptomless until a fracture or break occurs and tests are run.

Osteoporosis can largely be avoided by calcium supplementation and exercise. Exercise increases bone density which prevents the risk of developing osteoporosis. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining optimal health and reducing the risk of disease.

Calcium supplements are essential throughout life but this is especially so in the mid twenties. Women should start taking calcium supplements by the age of 30 if they haven't already been doing so.
With the wide range of brands and types of calcium supplements available on the market it can be a daunting process to choose which to take. But once you understand the basics of calcium supplements, it should be easier. The most important factor to look for is elemental calcium. Don't be fooled by numbers or the size of the tablet. Elemental calcium is the absorbable amount of calcium contained in a supplement. An adult generally needs about 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day though individual needs vary, so a doctor's advice is recommended. This daily dose should be taken after meals for maximum absorption and ideally you should divide your daily calcium intake into two daily doses.

Another important factor to look for when choosing a calcium supplement is to make sure it contains vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, without it, your body won't be able to use the calcium you provide it. While it is possible to obtain vitamin D naturally from sunlight, showers and clothes reduce our exposure and ability to absorb it so taking a vitamin D supplement with calcium ensures optimal calcium absorption. Think of calcium as a deposit you're putting into your body and you will reap the interest in your later years.