5 myths and facts about osteoporosis that you need to know

Let’s start with the basics: What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a health condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. Surprisingly, 14% of Malaysians are living with this condition.¹ Yet, despite its prevalence in our society, many myths about osteoporosis still persist.

We want to take this opportunity to address five common myths, offer insights into this disease, discuss prevention strategies, explore what to do for osteoporosis, and share tips on how to manage it better.

Myth #1: Osteoporosis Only Affects Older Adults

Fact: Many people believe that osteoporosis affects only those in their advanced age. While it is true, younger adults can also develop this condition, even as young as their 20s and 30s!²

Some key factors that could lead to osteoporosis in people below the age of 50 include hormonal imbalances, side effects of medication, or chronic medical conditions that can reduce bone density.^3,4,5

It is vital to recognise that people of any age are potentially at risk of developing this disease. We should take proactive measures to maintain bone health consistently and practise regular checkups for early detection.

Myth #2: Osteoporosis Symptoms Are Always Obvious 

Fact: Did you know that osteoporosis is often called “the silent disease”?⁶ This is because osteoporosis symptoms are rarely evident until a bone fracture occurs.

As such, bone density scans (such as the DEXA scan), should be done regularly, especially if you are in a high-risk category.⁷ This includes pregnant women, those with a strong family history of the condition, and long-term steroid users. Regular scans enable early detection of any abnormalities, allowing for osteoporosis prevention measures and decreasing the probability of severe fractures.

Myth #3: Only Women Get Osteoporosis

Fact: Women are indeed more likely to develop osteoporosis, particularly during the post-menopause stage due to a drop in oestrogen levels⁸. However, this doesn’t mean men are immune to the disease!

In fact, 88 men out of every 100,000 suffer from hip fracture incidents in Malaysia and face a significantly higher risk of osteoporosis-related fractures as they age.⁹ This is caused by declining testosterone levels – contributing to bone density loss¹⁰.

We would like to emphasise that maintaining bone health is crucial for everyone, regardless of gender! Fret not as we’ll delve into more details below on how you can maintain optimal bone health.

Myth #4: Milk is the Only Way to Get Enough Calcium for Strong Bones

Fact: Calcium is essential for bone health, that’s a fact.¹¹ However, it's important to note that a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein also plays a vital role in osteoporosis prevention.

While milk is a well-known source of calcium, there are many other foods that can help meet your calcium requirements. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, tofu, almonds, or calcium-fortified foods like (non-sugary) cereals and orange juice are excellent alternatives. Aim for a daily intake of 1,000 – 1,200mg as recommended by MOH Malaysia.¹²

In addition to that, an intake of vitamin D is also essential for your body's calcium absorption and overall bone health. This is because, without sufficient vitamin D, your body absorbs only 10 – 15% of dietary calcium.¹³ You can get vitamin D from sources like fatty fish such as salmon or cod, egg yolks, or regular exposure to sunlight.

Myth #5: Exercise Can Worsen Osteoporosis

Fact: We can understand how this myth comes about: the more you use your bones, the more wear-and-tear you subject them to, potentially exacerbating your osteoporosis condition. However, we want to assure you that this isn’t the truth!

In fact, regular exercise – especially weight-bearing types – such as walking, jogging or even dancing can strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures!¹⁴ With that said, it’s important to consult your doctor or a medical expert before starting any exercise routine. Personalised guidance is essential to ensure you're doing the right exercises safely and effectively, and to avoid high-impact activities that could increase the risk of fractures.

Osteoporosis, a condition characterised by weakened bones, poses a significant public health concern that demands ongoing attention and proactive management. By debunking these common myths about osteoporosis, we aim to raise awareness about the condition and promote better understanding and prevention strategies.

With a clear grasp of what osteoporosis is and what to do for proper prevention and management, individuals can proactively maintain bone health and reduce fracture risks.

For added peace of mind, consider obtaining a protection plan tailored to your health needs, such as our Smart Early Payout CriticalCare, which covers osteoporosis-related treatments.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405525520301059#:~:text=In%20a%20healthy%20Malaysian%20urban,having%20changed%20BMD%20diagnostic%20category.
2. https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8836058/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206646/#:~:text=These%20medications%20include%20proton%20pump,inhibitors%2C%20chemotherapies%2C%20and%20anticoagulants.
5. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis#:~:text=Some%20medical%20conditions%20that%20you,%2FAIDS%2C%20and%20anorexia%20nervosa.
6. https://phelpshealth.org/news/latest-news/what-know-about-osteoporosis-aka-silent-disease#:~:text=Osteoporosis%20is%20known%20as%20the,to%20weak%20and%20brittle%20bones.
7. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dexa-scan/#:~:text=A%20bone%20density%20scan%20uses,them%20more%20likely%20to%20break.
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5643776/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7014230/
10. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968#:~:text=As%20bone%20strength%20or%20density,men%20also%20increase%20bone%20loss.
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316542/
12. http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/calcium-oral/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2669834/#:~:text=Optimal%20vitamin%20D%20levels%20are,%25%20%5B1%E2%80%A2%E2%80%A2%5D.
14. https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/prevention/exercise