Only 10 percent of girls and 25 percent of boys between ages 9-17 get enough calcium in their diets, the expert panel indicated. There is also strong evidence that physical activity in early life contributes to higher peak bone mass. Other factors are genetics, ethnic heredity, environmental and lifestyle factors, a broad array of diseases and medications, participants noted. The value of universal bone density testing for perimenopausal women has not been established. About 10 million people have osteoporosis and another 18 million have low bone mass.
Osteoporosis is a major concern for non-white men and women.
A broad spectrum of diseases and medications can lead to osteoporosis. There is a need for more research on how estrogen alone or in combination with other treatments reduces the incidences of fractures. Fall prevention should also be studied. More research is needed on vertebral or spinal factures, as opposed to hip fracture. Nursing home residents should be included in future research trials.