Pathogenesis and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis .2. Preventive measures

Postmenopausal women are at high risk of osteoporosis. Prevention strategies should aim st reducing postmenopausal loss of bone mass and optimizing skeletal mass in young women. Osteoporotic fracture risk is influenced by genetics, estrogen status and physical activity. Nutritional factors of importance are those affecting the calcium balance. Preventive measures include adequate dietary calcium intake. Calcium balance depends also on urinary calcium loss and intestinal calcium absorption rate, Because the latter is influenced by the vitamin D status, attention must be paid on adequate vitamin D supply, particularly in the elderly. Another factor of consideration is body weight. An enhanced body mass index is associated with reduced risk of osteoporosis. Underweight should be avoided.