FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES Intermountain8 Healthcare Osteoporosis Prevention Eating Plan Osteoporosis is a common disease that weakens your bones and makes them brittle. An estimated 10 million people have osteoporosis and another 34 million have low bone mass, placing them at risk for this disease. Osteoporosis can cause pain and disability. More importantly, it greatly increases your risk of fractures (broken bones) that can cause serious health problems and even death. What causes osteoporosis? Major risk factors for osteoporosis include: • Age. Your risk increases as you get older. • Sex and ethnic background. Almost 80% of osteoporosis patients are women, and Caucasian (white) and Asian people have the highest risk. • Family and personal history. Your risk increases if any family members have osteoporosis or a history of broken bones, or if you have broken any bones in the past. • Nutrition. A major risk factor is a diet low in calcium or vitamin D. Heavy alcohol use (more than 7 drinks per week) increases the risk. • Lifestyle. Smoking and being inactive are risk factors. • Some medical procedures. Your risk is higher if you've had a gastric bypass, removal of all or part of the stomach, or removal of part of the esophagus and stomach. How can I prevent it? There are treatments for osteoporosis, but there is no cure. The good news is that for most people, osteoporosis can be prevented through an active lifestyle and a healthy diet. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K can help preserve your bones and make them stronger. Bones use calcium for their strength and structure. Vitamins D and K help your body absorb and store calcium. / How much calcium and vitamin D do I need? The tables below show the amounts you need each day. Values are shown as a percentage of DV — the Daily Value recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some people need less than 100% of the Daily Value each day, while others need more. (For more information on reading food labels, see page 2.) Children and adolescents Age Calcium Vitamin D 9 to 18 130%ofDV(1300mg) 150% of DV (600 IU) Adults Age Calcium Vitamin D 19 to 50 100%ofDV(1000mg) 100% to 200% of DV (400 to 800 IU) Over 50 120%ofDV(1200mg) 200% to 250% of DV (800 IU to 1000 IU) Pregnant and breastfeeding women Age Calcium Vitamin D under 19 130%ofDV(1300mg) 150% of DV (600 IU) 19 to 50 100%ofDV(1000mg)