HHB1105 Essay: Calcium, Vitamin D and Osteoporosis - Health Sciences

This essay examines the crucial role of calcium and vitamin D in the prevention and management of osteoporosis. It begins by defining osteoporosis and highlighting its impact on bone health, characterized by low bone density and increased fracture risk. The essay outlines the disease's risk factors, including age, family history, and deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D. It references data from Osteoporosis Australia and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to illustrate the disease's prevalence and economic burden, particularly in Australia. The essay focuses on the benefits of calcium and vitamin D intake as a preventive measure, and briefly mentions available treatments like hormone replacement therapy and bisphosphonates. The essay emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating health claims and provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and students studying health sciences, offering a comprehensive overview of the disease and its management.

Health Sciences 1
Health Science
Name
Institution

Health Sciences 2
Calcium, Vitamin D and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones making them thin and fragile. This
disease is characterized by low bone density. The risk factors associated with this
disease include old age, deficiency of calcium and vitamin D, family history of
osteoporosis, low estrogen levels in women, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption,
sex, and low body weight. One organization that helps with this disease is Osteoporosis
Australia. This disease affects approximately 1.2 million Australians. According to
(AIHW, 2019), osteoporosis mostly affects adults above 50 years old. Additionally, the
prevalence is high in women due to decreased levels of estrogen. Fractures are the
biggest burden of osteoporosis in Victoria. The cost of this disease in Australia is also
very high. In 2017 around $3.44 billion was allocated for the treatment of fractures as a
result of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Australia (2019) predicts that the cost will be
approximately $33.6 billion in 2022. Medications for osteoporosis include hormone
replacement therapy, denosumab, and bisphosphonates. This study will focus on the
effects of vitamin D and calcium in preventing osteoporosis.

Health Sciences 3
References
Australian Institute of health and Welfare(AIHW) 2019, Osteoporosis, viewed 4 April
2020, < https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/
osteoporosis/contents/what-is-osteoporosis>.
Osteoporosis Australia 2019, Burden of osteoporosis; Results for Victoria, viewed 6
April 2020, < https://www.osteoporosis.org.au/sites/default/files/files/Summary%20-
%20Key%20Findings%20VIC.pdf>.