Approximately 10 million Americans – 80 percent of whom are women — have osteoporosis, resulting in more than 1.3 million bone fractures a year.

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. As we age, our body’s ability to rebuild new bone is surpassed by the rate at which our bones are dissolved. Over time, this weakens our bones and makes them more likely to break.

Due to this silent progression, and lack of warning signs, osteoporosis has the potential to claim as much as 40 percent of peak bone mass before anything substantial is done to correct it. Therefore, let’s briefly discuss bone loss and prevention, so that we can hopefully avoid osteoporosis all together.

Bone is porous and has both mineral and non-mineral components. These living tissues are constantly being dissolved and rebuilt everyday in a process called bone remodeling. During abnormal bone remodeling, bones begin to break down more quickly than they form. They become thinner and more brittle, increasing the risk of fracture. By definition, osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. While all bone fractures are serious, approximately 24 percent of hip fracture patients 50 years old or older die within a year following the fracture.

Women, individuals with small frames and anyone over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to developing osteoporosis. Also, anyone with a family history of osteoporosis, a low testosterone level, or an estrogen deficiency, whether through natural menopause, or induced, such as from hysterectomy, should be concerned with developing osteoporosis.

Frequent and prolonged cigarette use and alcohol consumption, as well as poor diet and general physical inactivity can also cause your bones to break down more rapidly than they rebuild. To get an idea of your own relative risk for developing osteoporosis, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a bone density screening.

As an aid to bone health, the daily intake of calcium supplements typically ranges from 1,000 to 1,200 mg. To be effective, this daily dosage must be derived from a bioavailable source. In other words, it must be in a form that can be absorbed and utilized by the body at an accurate and predictable rate.

Unfortunately, using the wrong type of calcium can leave your body short of the desired results. The most common calcium supplement on the market today is calcium carbonate. It is neither accurate nor predictable.

Take a look at your current calcium supplement or multivitamin and you will most likely see calcium carbonate on the label. The expected absorption rate of calcium carbonate is 5 to 9 percent. Also, absorption of calcium carbonate is dependent upon increased acid levels in the gut. If pH is normal, then very little to no absorption occurs.

The three most accurate and predictable forms of calcium are microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCHC), calcium amino acid chelate, and calcium citrate. Bone building vitamins also include chelated magnesium, Vitamin D, and trace minerals manganese, copper, strontium, boron, silicon, molybdenum, and vanadium, of which all are necessary to properly absorb the calcium that we need on a daily basis. Most importantly, these three types of calcium are all absorbed between 70 and 85 percent, with MCHC being absorbed over 90 percent. For synergistic bone building supplements like this, look at Vinco’s Osteosheath, and Natural Creations Cal Gel.

MCHC is the best absorbed calcium source available. It increases cortical bone density, or bone thickness, and arrests trabecular bone loss, which is the structural stability of bone. MCHC is ideal for individuals with poor absorption and has been clinically proven by scientific studies on humans. For premium MCHC calcium supplements, look at Douglas Labs Microcrystalline Hydroxyapetite Calcium, or Metagenics Cal Appetite.

Along with a balanced diet, frequent weight-bearing exercise, and reduction or elimination of smoking and alcohol, a quality nutritional supplement containing all three forms of calcium, along with the necessary vitamins and minerals is essential in preventing osteoporosis.

Pattyand Jon Frieda own Neels Pharmacy, in Crestwood. It is a full service community pharmacy specializing in integrative, nutritional, herbal and homeopathic approaches to wellness. www.neelspharmacy.flashrx.com