Prevention of low bone mass to achieve high bone density in Mexico: position of the Mexican Association for Bone and Mineral Metabolism

A Summary In Mexico, osteoporosis is a public health problem. In this document, the Mexican Association for Bone and Mineral Metabolism defines its position on calcium, vitamin D supplement use, and physical activity as an effective, safe, and cost-effective initiatives to prevent low bone mass. Introduction In Mexico, osteoporosis is a public health problem that is expected to increase in the decades ahead. Generally, modifiable risk factors for bone health are related with lifestyles, especially nutrition and physical activity. Methods In this position paper, the Mexican Association for Bone and Mineral Metabolism (AMMOM, by its acronym in Spanish), which is a multidisciplinary group of researchers, dietitians, epidemiologists, nurses, and physicians who study bone and related tissues and communicate the best strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of bone problems, aims to analyze the association between nutrition and bone health, risk behaviors for low bone mass, and the economic impact that prevention of low bone mass represents for the health care system. Results Addressing therapeutic management with pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, we emphasize the important role the patient plays in the doctor-patient relationship, both in the consulting room and in daily life. Furthermore, the AMMOM defines its position on calcium and vitamin D supplement use as an effective, safe, and cost-effective initiative to prevent low bone mass. Conclusions In summary, most research and clinical practice related to osteoporosis have focused on diagnosis and treatment, but general measures for primary prevention based on addressing modifiable risk factors as a public health priority to delay the onset of loss of bone mass have not been considered by Mexican authorities. Consequently, the AMMOM task force also seeks to provide information on concrete actions to prevent low bone mass.