New plan to help build stronger bones

Brittle bones are a major healthcare concern for aging Kiwi women, but a research team has a recipe for stronger bones.

Our skeleton is constantly repaired by our body, but when the repair mechanism slows bones become brittle and break easily – a condition called osteoporosis.

Combating osteoporosis more effectively could come down to a head start, by arming women with knowledge about caring for their bones earlier on, Massey University nutritionist Dr Jasmine Thomson says.

‘‘I don’t think there’s that much awareness, particularly in our younger population... We’ve generally focused on the older adults. Your early to mid-20s is when you can get maximum bone density... and where we can really do something about bone density. The largest losses occur post-menopause.’’

Thomson is heading a team at Massey’s Palmerston North campus, which began trialling a knowledge campaign aimed at women aged 18 to 25. Although the biggest influence on bone health is genetic, various choices we make in life can make a noticeable difference for better or worse, she said.

Volunteers will be interviewed about their lifestyle, diet and knowledge of bone health, told the best ways to care for their bones over time, provided leaflets, and shown a short video produced for the study.

They are also given an instant reading of their bone density using a special ultrasound heel scanner to help drive the message home.

The machine helped illustrate the message in a very personal and tangible way, Thomson said.

‘‘Osteoporosis can have a major effect on life, but with proper care it decreases the risk of things getting worse.’’

The team is recruiting for the study and would like to be contacted by women aged 18 to 25 interested in taking part. Email j.a.thomson@massey.ac.nz.