More and more often it is recognised that osteoporosis and the bone fractures that follow are not chance occurrences but are caused by degenerative processes which can be held back by a suitable diet.  Approximately one woman in three suffers from osteoporosis after the menopause and thus runs an increased risk of breaking a bone. Again, one man in six over the age of 50 suffers from osteoporosis.

The basic bone structure maintains itself while undergoing continuous change. Bone tissue is continually being broken down and renewed. Of the 1.5 to 2.5 kg of calcium stored in the whole body, about 98% forms part of the bone structure, the remaining 2% forming part of the softer tissues and the blood. Equilibrium is in actual fact kept and directed by various hormones and by vitamin D.

Building up bone tissue is undertaken by special cells which form the basic substance of the structure. In this basic substance minerals such as calcium phosphate are also stored, which is why it is important that the body has a properly functioning calcium and phosphate regulatory system. The actual regulation is carried out by a number of hormones. What is known as D hormone is especially important for an enhanced intake of calcium and supplementing storage levels of minerals in the bones; D hormone is made by the body using vitamin D3.

Breaking down bone tissue is again carried out by special cells, which, with the help of specific enzymes, dissolve the basic substance of the bone; in the process they also dissolve the minerals contained in the bone structure, a process which has been greatly accelerated by the acidity of the modern environment. During childhood, puberty and early adulthood, more bone is built up than broken down; bone structure reaches its maximum size at approximately 35 years of age. From that moment, breaking down bone structure becomes more important than building up. Depending on how fast this breaking down process takes place is the deciding factor in the prognosis of osteoporosis. The hormone changes taking place at menopause lead more often to osteoporosis in women than with men.

The positive influence of vitamin D on the actual intake of calcium will in fact be regulated by the body's D hormone. After its synthesis from vitamin D, the D hormone will firstly cause an increase in the calcium and phosphate content of the body and secondly will slow down the hormone responsible for breaking down bone structure. D hormone will thus increase the rate at which the body incorporates calcium and minerals in its bone structure. A shortage of D hormone causes a decreased intake of calcium from the intestines which thus lowers the calcium level in the blood; calcium is then taken from the bone structure to compensate.

By adding calcium and vitamin D3 to our daily diet on a regular basis an overstrong breakdown of bone tissue (osteoporosis) is counteracted and thus the danger of typical bone fractures - such as a broken hip with all its accompanying discomfort and danger- are lessened.