Dairy intake for adequate calcium levels in the management...

Dairy intake for adequate calcium levels in the management of Osteoporosis Sidak Singh Osteoporosis has become a significant public heath issue in the Western world due to increased morbidity and mortality. Optimization of calcium is important in delaying and possibly preventing osteoporosis. Calcium is known to be the most critical nutritional factor in achieving optimal peak bone mass. Dietary dairy intake is an essential source of calcium necessary for sufficient bone density. While studies illustrate the value of dairy intake as a source of calcium and thus bone health, contention on this topic has followed. Discordant viewpoints argue no effect of dairy consumption on bone strength and negative impacts of excess protein leading†¦show more content†¦Osteoporosis is characterized by decreasing bone mass and increased bone fragility Failure in obtaining optimal peak bone mass and inadequate replacement of lost bone during remodeling can contribute to low bone mass. The impact of the debilitating disease is often known as â€Å"silent† because bone los s occurs without symptoms. The risk of fracture from osteoporosis increases with age. The resulting fracture can lead to a loss of mobility, pain, and disability and in some cases, requirement for long term care. It is predicted that about 24% of patients with hip fractures over the age of 50 will die in the year following the fracture [9]. Bone health maintenance is important in combating osteoporosis. Achieving peak bone mass during adolescence and maintaining this throughout life enhance bone health. This disease is among the leading cause of morbidity in industrialized countries [3]. Calcium has long been recognized as an important factor for the maintenance of bone health. Calcium and Dairy Intake Calcium, a mineral important in many cellular functions in the body such as cell signaling, neuromuscular activity and activation of intracellular functional proteins, is the main constituent of the bone matrix [11]. Required for deposition of bone mineral throughout life, calcium is an essential