Subscribe to NOF's Newsletters by Email Building strong bones, especially before the age of 30, can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis, and a healthy lifestyle can be critically important for keeping bones strong. Prevention of this disease is very important because, while there are treatments for osteoporosis, there is currently no cure. There are four steps to prevent osteoporosis. No one step alone is enough to prevent osteoporosis but all four may. A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol use And bone density testing and medications when appropriate Calcium Calcium is needed for the heart, muscles and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot.
Inadequate calcium is thought to contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
National nutrition surveys have shown that many women and young girls consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to grow and maintain healthy bones. Depending on your age, an appropriate calcium intake falls between 1000 and 1300 mg a day. If you have difficulty getting enough calcium from the foods you eat, you may take a calcium supplement to make up the difference. Vitamin D Vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium. Without enough vitamin D, you will be unable to absorb calcium from the foods you eat, and your body will have to take calcium from your bones.