As our body goes through changes our nutritional needs change. Each day your body requires a specific amount of important nutrients, which most of us do not consume on a consistent basis. Whether it is due to life style or lack of awareness, we rarely consume what our body needs. In addition, some nutrients we consume may pass through our bodies without being absorbed. There are dozens of different brand vitamins on the market, but which one is for me?

I feel first you have to look at where you are in your life: whether in the childbearing years, requiring more folic acid and iron, or in the peri-menopausal/menopausal years requiring more calcium.

About 99% of the body's supply of calcium is used for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. Maintenance is the key. Calcium is constantly being shuttled from bones to meet other body needs (for example, t e transmission of nerve impulses, clotting of blood, regulation of heart muscle rhythm and absorption of vitamin B-12). When sufficient calcium is not obtained through diet your body pulls calcium from your bones. This pulling of calcium from the bones as well as the normal aging process can cause a decrease in bone mass and result in porous, brittle bones that fracture easily during everyday activities. Besides the lack of intake, hormonal changes, and the aging process result in bone loss. This accelerated loss of bone mass is called OSTEOPOROSIS.

It is not only important to consume adequate calcium but for metabolism of dietary calcium, the body needs many other co-factors. Vitamin D facilitates the menopausal women of calcium. Boron reduces calcium loss in postmenopausal women, and may help prevent osteoporosis. Copper and magnesium aid in proper storage of calcium.

Osteoporosis has reached epidemic proportions. Women after menopause are at especially high risk, and lack of dietary calcium in most American's diet is considered one of the principal causes. As our life expectancy lengthens the impact of osteoporosis will have a greater impact on our life.

There are factors beyond our control such as our genetic predisposition to osteoporosis. We can attempt to alter the future by proper life style, including diet and exercise. Today there are drugs available for the treatment of osteoporosis, but this should only be used in combination with proper diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements. If our goal is for the prevention of future problems we must start with our children, providing information and education, emphasizing proper nutrition.

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