As we observe Osteoporosis Month in October, it’s a crucial time to focus on the importance of maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Although we can’t instantly remedy bone health, there are effective steps we can take to protect our bone strength and prevent osteoporosis—a condition that increasingly affects many as they age.
Recently, the Department of Science and Technology — Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) expressed concern over the growing number of Filipino adults at risk of osteoporosis. Data from their 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) showed that an overwhelming 97.2% of adults and 95.5% of elderly Filipinos suffer from calcium deficiency, a key factor in bone health. “These statistics highlight the need to focus on osteoporosis awareness, diagnosis, and treatment,” the DOST-FNRI emphasized in a statement.
Osteoporosis causes bones to become fragile and brittle, making even minor bumps or falls potentially dangerous. In severe cases, especially among senior citizens, fractures can be life-threatening, with some individuals succumbing within a year. This condition significantly affects the quality of life, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and increased health risks. Symptoms often go unnoticed and may include back pain, a stooped posture, and an unexpected decrease in height.
Historically, the risk has been significant. Data from the 2003 National Nutrition and Health Survey indicated that nearly 80% of Filipino women and 60% of men over 70 are at high risk for osteoporosis. This means osteoporosis could affect one in every three Filipino women and one in every five Filipino men.
Despite these alarming statistics, many in the Philippines do not take osteoporosis seriously, wrongly assuming that weakening bones are just a natural part of aging. Known as a ‘silent disease,’ osteoporosis can progress unnoticed until a fracture occurs.
To combat this, the DOST-FNRI urges Filipinos to consume more calcium-rich foods such as small fish, shellfish, cereals, green leafy vegetables, and dairy products. “It is also necessary to have sufficient vitamin D for efficient absorption of calcium by simply getting enough sunlight that activates vitamin D in the body. Furthermore, it is recommended that the national government should intensify the food fortification program not only on milk products but other food products which can be good vehicles of calcium and vitamin D fortification,” advised the DOST-FNRI.
With this, bone health experts are encouraging families to support their older members by ensuring they go for early detection and diagnosis. Imaging techniques like Bone Mineral Densitometry or Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) are non-invasive tests that measure bone density and help predict future fracture risks. While exercise, calcium, and vitamin D are beneficial, experts say they might not be sufficient alone. They add that high-risk individuals can also consider treatments like Denosumab Injection, which can slow bone loss and reduce fracture risks.
Given these concerns, the DOST-FNRI is calling for a unified government effort to tackle this silent disease, “The Institute proposes that the LGUs should have a sustained effort and structured public awareness programs on the importance of bone health, initiate primary prevention programs focusing on modifiable risk factors such as nutrition and lifestyle-related behaviors, and establish diagnostic facilities like DEXA scans in their Health Centers for early detection of osteoporosis,” the DOST-FNRI stated.
Experts emphasized that by enhancing awareness, advocating for prevention, facilitating early detection and diagnosis, as well as advancing treatment strategies, we can protect the bone health of Filipinos and prevent the debilitating effects of osteoporosis. They add that successfully implementing these strategies would significantly improve the quality of life for our adults and elderly.
References:
- GMA News Netowrk: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/905508/osteoporosis-risk-among-pinoy-adults-elderly-alarming-dost-fnri/story/
- DOST-FNRI Website: https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/publications/writers-pool-corner/57-food-and-nutrition/857-more-pinoy-adults-elderly-at-risk-for-osteoporosis-alarming-dost-fnri
- Nutrition Center of the Philippines: http://www.ncp.org.ph/bone-health.html
- National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441901/
