A condition characterized by the progressive loss of bone density and thinning of bone tissue.
Osteoporosis is the most common type of metabolic bone disease .
There are currently an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones. If calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer.