Osteoporosis affects millions of women across India long before they notice a fractured bone or a loss of height. The condition causes the bones to become thin and fragile, with reduced density and strength. In India alone, more than 61 million people are living with osteoporosis, and around 80 % of them are women. The peak incidence in this country occurs earlier than in Western populations, sometimes by a full decade or more, making bone health an urgent priority.
Understanding Why Women Are at a Higher Risk
Globally, women are approximately four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, a disparity caused by biology and hormone regulation. Women generally build less bone mass in early life, and their bones tend to be lighter and thinner than those of men, leaving less “reserve” to withstand the natural bone loss that unfolds with age.
A pivotal moment occurs in a woman’s midlife with menopause. Estrogen, a hormone that supports bone formation and slows bone resorption, declines dramatically after menopause. This hormonal shift accelerates bone loss; it is estimated to account for a significant proportion of the bone deterioration women experience in the decade following menopause.
The Indian Context: Diet and Lifestyle as Critical Factors
Bone density reaches its maximum in the late 20s, but begins to decline thereafter. Without adequate nutritional support, this decline accelerates. Indian diets frequently fall short of the calcium and vitamin D needed for optimal bone maintenance. Even in a sun-rich country, vitamin D deficiency affects over 90% of Indian women.
Calcium deficiency is equally prevalent. Traditional Indian diets may lack dairy or calcium-rich alternatives, and high consumption of refined grains can inhibit calcium absorption. These nutritional gaps combine with sedentary routines, especially in urban settings, to weaken bones decades before old age.
Why Bone Health Requires Serious Attention
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it rarely causes symptoms until a fracture occurs. Yet the consequences of a broken hip, wrist or vertebra go far beyond the initial injury. Fractures in older women can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, loss of independence, and, in many cases, years of rehabilitation. Hip fractures, for example, often require extended care and raise the risk of long-term disability significantly. This is why early protective measures are important to avoid osteoporosis.
The Role of Diet in Building Strong Bones
Healthy bones depend on a constellation of nutrients. Calcium is central to bone structure. Without enough calcium in the diet, the body draws from the bone’s mineral stores, gradually weakening the skeletal framework. Vitamin D plays an equally indispensable role by promoting efficient calcium absorption from the gut. Magnesium and zinc also contribute to bone structure and the activity of bone-forming cells.
To support healthy bones through food:
- Include dairy or plant-based alternatives for calcium.
- Eat leafy greens like spinach and kale, and small fish with bones, such as sardines.
- Seek dietary sources of vitamin D when possible, including fortified foods and oily fish.
- Balance meals with proteins, as amino acids support bone tissue.
- Have foods rich in magnesium and zinc, such as nuts and seeds.
Read more: Healthy Bones — 5 Superfoods to Include in Your Die
Exercise to Stimulate Bone Strength
Bone strength responds to mechanical stress. Activities that load the skeleton, such as brisk walking, jogging, stair climbing and resistance training, signal the body to strengthen our bones. Conversely, inactivity accelerates bone loss. Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises performed regularly throughout life are among the most effective natural strategies to maintain bone density. It is also important to maintain a healthy body weight and have routine screening for bone mineral density.
Also read: Mini HomeGym: Empowering Women to Feel Their Best
Nutriplus BoneHealth as a Supportive Solution for Osteoporosis
While lifestyle and diet are foundational, many women benefit from a health supplement that fills nutritional gaps.Nutriplus BoneHealth provides a combination of calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins C and D, a profile tailored to the nutrients bones need for strength and resilience. Calcium and magnesium support structural integrity, zinc contributes to bone mass maintenance, and vitamin D optimises calcium absorption. Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, a core element of bone tissue. When taken as part of a daily routine alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise, this bone health supplement helps maintain bone density and reduce fracture risk.
Also read: 6 Ways to Build Healthy Bones
Make Building Bone Strength a Priority
Maintaining healthy bones is a lifelong endeavour, particularly for women facing biological, nutritional and lifestyle challenges. Recognising the importance of bone health early and acting consistently can transform outcomes, enabling women to live with strength, mobility and confidence through every stage of life.
