The role of calcium in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a disease affecting millions of people around the world. It is a significant medical problem that may increase the risk of fracture and subsequently impact quality of life. In the United States, more than 1 million fractures occur annually at a cost of approximately $14 billion (Ray et al. 1997). The number of hip fractures in the United States is predicted to at least triple over the next 40 years (Schneider & Guralnik, 1990). Osteoporosis has received attention in women, but its effect in men should also be noteworthy. The lifetime fracture risk in women is approximately 50%; however, in men, it ranges from 10% to 25% (Looker, 1997). Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk (WHO/F AO, 2003). It is defined as 'a disease characterised by low bone mass and micro-architectual deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk' (Consensus Development Conference, 1991). Diet appears to be linked to osteoporosis, in fact several studies have shown that both calcium and Vitamin D alone or a combination of both, have shown positive effects on femoral bone mineral density (Di Daniele et al. 2004). Wallace (2003) shows that adequate calcium may help to enhance bone mass, thus decreasing the risk of osteoporotic fracture later in life. Thus this study focused on calcium intake in a sample of patients who were referred for a bone density examination between July and September 2005. The study was carried out at St. James Hospital Sliema. Calcium intake was calculated using a food frequency questionnaire designed by the researcher. Calcium intake was then compared with the bone density result. It was found that the calcium intake in patients having a normal bone density was significantly higher than in patients having an abnormal bone density result. The study also showed that the mean daily calcium intake was 940mg. Although the sample size of the study was small the results showed general agreement with larger-scale similar studies carried out abroad.