NUTRITION AND OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a global public health problem which currently affects approximately 40% of caucasien women and 13% of men, and is increasing, as the population is living longer. Moreover, osteoporosis fractures are a significant cause of disability and premature death. This disease is a complex, multifactorial chronic disor-der in which a variety of pathophysiologic mechanisms lead to skeletal fragility. Because hypoestrogenemia after menopause is an important cause of osteoporosis, hormone replacement therapy was recommended. However, because of side effects, women and health professionals became reluctant to this prophylaxis. Thus, increased research into alternatives, in particular nutritional strategies, for optimising bone health is of clinical, scientific and health policy importance. In general, the two key nutrients to consider for bone health are the mineral calcium and vitamin D. However, it has been recognised that the human diet contains, in addition to essential macronutrients (protein, lipids.), a complex array of naturally occurring bioactive molecules, the phytochemicals endowed with ostrogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could play an important clue in osteoporosis prevention.