Many people have the impression that osteoporosis is caused solely by a dietary calcium deficiency and that it therefore can be remedied by taking calcium supplements. This is not quite correct. While calcium supplementation is important in dealing with osteoporosis, there are other considerations as well. Vitamins C, D, E, and K all play vital roles in battling osteoporosis, as does protein. Regulating the amounts of certain minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, boron, zinc, manganese, and copper, in the body are also important in maintaining proper calcium levels.
Exercise is another vital factor.
There are two basic types of osteoporosis. Type I is believed to be caused by hormonal changes, particularly a loss of estrogen, which causes the loss of minerals from the bones to accelerate. Type II is linked to dietary deficiency, especially a lack of sufficient calcium and of vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Many women mistakenly believe that osteoporosis is something they need be concerned about only after menopause. However, recent evidence indicates that osteoporosis often begins early in life and is not strictly a postmenopausal problem.