Strong bones for an active life

A healthy and active life depends on strong bones. Bone tissue is continuously built up and broken down (resorbed). In most people younger than 30, the remodeling of bone tissue follows a predictable, balanced pattern. However, after the age of 30, bone breakdown (resorption) outstrips the formation of new bone.

For women, bone resorption (and consequently bone loss), accelerates as estrogen levels decline during menopause. This acceleration increases the risk of osteoporosis and resulting fractures.

More than 20 million European women and men over the age of 50 are diagnosed with osteoporosis¹ each year. The condition causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually—a rate of one fracture every three seconds.¹ One in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will experience this type of fracture.

Factors that help build strong bones include adequate dietary calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, limited consumption of alcohol, and not smoking. Calcium and vitamin D deficiency is uncommon in the developed world and excess intake of these nutrients has not been shown to benefit bone formation. Increased physical activity benefits many aspects of life, including bone health; nevertheless, compliance with exercise regimes remains low.

Increased risk for women and seniors

Retaining bone strength is important for both men and women. However, beginning in their 30s, women are at greater risk for bone loss. Probiotics can help maintain bone mineral content in postmenopausal women and seniors, enabling them to stay active.

_{1. The International Osteoporosis Foundation}