Bone up on CALCIUM

The key mineral to living a long and healthy life

- AMBER BRAMBLE

WHO IS AT RISK?

Our risk of osteoporosis rises after the age of 50, but it can affect younger people too. “This is often associated with another medical condition that impacts directly on bone health, for example eating disorders, severe vitamin D deficiency, undiagnosed coeliac disease, and some breast cancer treatments,” says Professor Peter Ebeling, medical director of Osteoporosis Australia. “Any young people with these issues should also have a bone health check by their doctor.”

We all know calcium is crucial for keeping our bones and teeth healthy and strong. But while we may have heard the message, a surprisingly large number of us don’t get enough.

“According to the most recent Australian Health Survey, over half of all Australians aren’t meeting the recommended intake of calcium,” advanced accredited dietitian Melanie McGrice reveals.

Because the signs of low calcium often take a long time to show, many people don’t realise they have a deficiency until they begin experiencing long-term effects, such as low bone density and a heightened risk of bone and teeth breakage.

Here, McGrice explains how we can all protect our bones now and for the future …