Osteoporosis is a silent disease that weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures. Early detection is essential to maintain a good quality of life and prevent complications.
Risk factors
Some factors increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis:
- Advanced age, especially postmenopausal women.
- Family history of fractures or osteoporosis.
- Low body weight or unhealthy lifestyle habits (sedentary lifestyle, diet low in calcium and vitamin D).
- Excessive alcohol or tobacco consumption.
- Prolonged use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids.
It is important to keep these factors in mind. In addition, when known, we can think of complementary measures to take care of bones, such as taking a calcium supplement.
Signs you should not ignore
Osteoporosis can be silent until a fracture occurs, but some signs may alert you:
- Increasing back pain or loss of height over time.
- Frequent fractures after minor impacts.
- Change in posture: curvature of the back forward (“hunchback”).
Not all these symptoms always appear, and bone density is often already compromised before manifesting. That is why early detection and the use of calcium supplements from a certain age is key.
What medical tests are there to diagnose osteoporosis?
To accurately diagnose or assess the risk of osteoporosis:
- Bone densitometry (DXA): measures bone mineral density.
- Blood and urine tests: can rule out other causes of bone loss.
- X-rays: useful for detecting previous fractures, though not as sensitive for initial changes.
Having a good diagnosis allows for more effective action. Meanwhile, a properly formulated supplement can be part of the preventive plan.
Prevention and healthy habits
Remember:
- Support yourself with a supplement like Savebone® with calcium, vitamin D, and phytate that prevents and protects against bone destruction.
- Eat a diet rich in calcium (dairy products, green vegetables, small fish with bones).
- Ensure adequate vitamin D intake (moderate sun exposure + rich foods).
- Perform resistance and balance exercises (body weight, walking, climbing stairs, etc.).
- Avoid tobacco and moderate alcohol consumption.
- Maintain medical check-ups, especially if you have risk factors.
Detecting osteoporosis as early as possible and preventing it can make a big difference. Combining a good medical evaluation + healthy lifestyle habits + nutritional support with supplements like SaveBone® can help you protect your bones and improve your quality of life.
Sources:
LeBoff MS, Greenspan SL, Insogna KL, Lewiecki EM, Saag KG, Singer AJ, Siris ES. The clinician's guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2022 Oct;33(10):2049-2102. doi: 10.1007/s00198-021-05900-y. Epub 2022 Apr 28. Erratum in: Osteoporos Int. 2022 Oct;33(10):2243. doi: 10.1007/s00198-022-06479-8. PMID: 35478046; PMCID: PMC9546973.
