JEDDAH – Each year millions of adults over the age of 50 suffer from devastating hip fractures, with millions more suffering from fractures of the pelvis, spine, wrist, and shoulder. These fractures are not an accident; it is likely that the underlying cause of this is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease and it is characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue that may lead to weak and fragile bones. People suffering from osteoporosis have an increased risk of broken bones and fractures. In a report issued by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), the MENA region is highlighted as a region, where this disease is a common problem. With a predicted demographic explosion in the number of people over 50, expected in the next decade, the prevalence of osteoporosis is expected to increase even further. According to current figures, by 2020 25 percent of the Middle East population will be over 50, a figure that is expected to have risen to 40 percent by 2050. In Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria in particular, these demographic explosions will result in the number of osteoporosis related hip fractures quadrupling in the same timeframe. In Saudi Arabia, osteoporosis is already a serious issue a report in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia indicates an incidence of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) of 30 percent to 40 percent, with over 60 percent of postmenopausal women already having some degree of osteopenia. With the Kingdom's population of 1,461,401 aged 50 or over, it is estimated that approximately 8,768 suffer from femoral fractures each year, costing the state $1.14 billion. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in the high prevalence of this disease, with low calcium intake, lack of physical activity and a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, being amongst the main culprits. Maintaining optimum bone health at every life stage is pivotal if osteoporosis is to be prevented. Bones can begin to break from as earlier as 25, when the human body stops producing new bone; so ensuring healthy levels of calcium intake, a good diet and regular exercise are all key factors that can ensure the deterioration of bone density is slowed down. Good nutrition is an important part of a successful rehabilitation program in patients who have had an osteoporotic fracture. Poor nutritional intake can hinder recovery, and increase susceptibility to further fractures. “Osteoporosis is a serious and growing problem faced by thousands of Saudi Arabian citizens each year. Despite the fact that post-menopausal women are considered a high risk group in terms of osteoporosis, awareness of the disease still remains low. Nearly half the women in Saudi are at risk of developing osteoporosis, and already have the warning signs, such as low bone density levels. If we are to truly address this issue in Saudi, we must start to educate citizens on the best ways to prevent the development of this disease. Appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake, in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise are all key factors in the prevention process.” stated Dr. Wail Al-Qasim, General Manager, for MSD in Saudi. Adequate levels of calcium intake have a positive effect on bone mineral density and are a major building block of our bones. The human skeleton is formed from 99 percent of our body's total calcium stores. The most readily available dietary sources of calcium include milk and dairy products. Dairy products have the additional advantage of being good sources of protein and offer other micronutrients important for bone health , other sources of calcium include green vegetables, nuts and salmon. Vitamin D supplementation reduces the rate of bone loss and the risk of fractures older people face. Fruit and vegetable intake was positively associated with bone density and higher dietary protein intake was associated with a lower rate of age related bone loss. There are several approaches to treat osteoporosis, a medicinal approach which includes the administration of specific drugs such as teriparatide, raloxifene, calcitonin, hormone replacement therapy and bisphosphonates which are the main drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates is the best class of drugs for postmenopausal women, who are at the highest risk of osteoporosis. One such medication belonging to this class is Alendronate, which slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which helps in protecting patients against bone fractures. Alendronate is also used to treat men who suffer from osteoporosis. Without the proper course of action and treatment, by 2050, the worldwide incidence of hip fracture in men is projected to increase by 310 percent and 240 percent in women. To help prevent the rising tide of fractures and their profound socio-economic impact on millions of people and communities throughout the Middle-East and Africa, we must all work to develop a healthy lifestyle and protect ourselves from osteoporosis. – SG
