Around three million people in the UK are estimated to have osteoporosis, with several million more likely to have osteopenia.\u00a0 The vast majority of sufferers are women but, less well known is the fact that men may also fall victim to either condition. And, to dispel another commonly held myth, osteoporosis doesn\u2019t just affect \u2018frail old ladies\u2019 \u2013 it\u2019s not uncommon for people in their 40s and 50s who appear fit, active and well to discover they have the disease.<\/p>\n
Looked at more closely, the statistics from The Royal Osteoporosis Society make worrying reading:<\/p>\n
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- 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 are expected to break a bone during their lifetime as a result of osteoporosis<\/li>\n
- It is estimated that 500,000 women in the UK aged 50-64 have osteoporosis<\/li>\n
- It is estimated that every year in the UK there are more than 500,000 fragility fractures, that\u2019s over one every minute<\/li>\n
- 54% of people who fractured a bone have experienced height loss or a change in their body shape<\/li>\n
- 1 in 4 people dies within a year of suffering a hip fracture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How can I tell if I\u2019m at risk?<\/strong><\/p>\n
In short, it is difficult to know.\u00a0 This is why osteoporosis is known as the \u2018silent disease\u2019 because it can progress unnoticed for many years until a fracture occurs. In the UK, we don\u2019t routinely have a DEXA (bone density scan) until after one or more fractures have occurred.\u00a0 But by then it\u2019s too late \u2013 our bone health is already compromised!\u00a0 This makes us vulnerable to common fracture sites linked to osteoporosis: the thigh bone (femur), at the hip, vertebrae and wrist.<\/p>\n
Forewarned is forearmed<\/strong><\/p>\n
Given that it is difficult to detect under current medical procedures and that osteopenia and osteoporosis are both fairly common conditions, it makes sense to guard against them.\u00a0 It is highly recommended to take preventative action by considering diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to help promote strong healthy bones.<\/p>\n
Alongside these steps, a specific form of collagen has been found to play a big part in protecting and producing strong, flexible bones.<\/p>\n
Collagen – the key to strong flexible bones<\/strong><\/p>\n
Most people think of Vitamin D and calcium as natural supplements that are good for our bones and it is true that we should ensure both are plentiful in our diet.\u00a0 Eating dairy foods, dark green leafy veg and having at least 20 minutes in the sunshine each day will help us achieve this.\u00a0 Supplementation of Vitamin D and calcium is also recommended if we fear we are falling short of either.<\/p>\n
Less commonly known is the VITAL role that collagen plays in forming strong, flexible bone tissue.\u00a0 Most of us think of collagen as for \u2018skin, hair and nails\u2019.\u00a0 And certain collagens do, indeed, help here.\u00a0 But collagens come in different forms and have different molecular weights. Imagine the different collagens as different keys that unlock specific physiological effects in our body. A \u2018Skin, Hair and Nails collagen\u2019 will not bring any benefit to our bones, as the collagen \u2018key\u2019 is the wrong shape. Only the \u2018bone collagen key\u2019 will unlock the beneficial results of increased bone density.<\/p>\n
Where can I find the \u2018bone collagen key\u2019?<\/strong><\/p>\n
The best form of collagen for bone is Bioactive Collagen Peptides \u00ae which have been developed to be absorbed into human bone tissues.\u00a0 There is plenty of science and research showing its effectiveness but, in simple terms, Bioactive Collagen Peptides\u00ae are powerful protein molecules that act as the building blocks for healthy bone tissue.\u00a0 They bring that all-important flexibility to our bones, as well as improving density, to allow our bones to absorb more impact and resist breaking.<\/p>\n
Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides\u00ae are found in bonebalance\u2122 – a natural powdered supplement and a Food for Special Medical Purpose approved for bone mineral density, osteopenia and osteoporosis.<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.moveitorloseit.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/www.bonebalance.co_.uk-39.99-lifestyle-lemon-scaled.jpg\")
How do I take it?<\/strong><\/p>\n