The state of bone health in Asia

MANILA, Philippines - Osteoporosis is a silent disease that is approaching epidemic proportions in Asia. This was the consensus at the First Asia-Pacific Osteoporosis Meeting organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) in Singapore. Consider the following statistics garnered through Fonterra’s Anlene bone health check. The study that entailed over four million bone scans conducted in seven countries in Asia throughout the last three years was presented to media by Joanne Todd, Fonterra senior health platform manager. Fonterra is the world’s largest dairy producer that has partnered with IOF to promote bone health awareness worldwide.

• In Indonesia, over 40 percent of the population is at risk of developing osteoporosis by age 35. Fifty percent are classified at risk by their 50s; and at ages 25-65, Indonesian women at the highest risk of osteoporosis compared to other women in other Asian countries.

• The past three decades have reflected a threefold increase in the incidence of hip fractures in Hong Kong.

• One in three people is classified at risk of developing osteoporosis by age 35 in Thailand and Malaysia.

• In Vietnam, one third of the population is classified at risk by age 30. Vietnamese men’s bones are of the poorest health in the region.

• One in four people is at risk of developing osteoporosis in Taiwan.

• Singapore presents the lowest regional average for osteoporosis, but 45 percent of the population is still considered at risk by age 50.

• In the Philippines, over 50 percent of the population is classified at risk in their 50s. “While this statistic is similar to that presented in other countries, 40 percent of the Filipino population is classified as at risk of osteoporosis by age 35,” says Joanne Todd. “This is the highest risk level in the region at that age.”

Is there cause for alarm? Most definitely. By 2050, it is foreseen that 50 percent of osteoporotic fractures will occur in Asia and will result in severe consequences and cost. Fractures nearly always result in hospitalization, with 20 percent of these proving fatal, and 50 percent resulting in permanent disability. It is estimated that global treatment resulting from osteoporotic injuries could reach up to US$131.5 billion.

Already, current worldwide estimates indicate that one new spinal fracture occurs every 22 seconds, with vertebral or spinal osteoporotic fractures as the most common type of fragility fracture. Alarmingly, these remain largely undiagnosed and untreated, and one in five women with a vertebral fracture will sustain another one within 12 months. This phenomenon is called the vertebral fracture cascade.

“Vertebral fractures have a severe impact on people and society,” says Judy Stenmark, chief operations officer of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). “These are associated with an eight-fold increase in mortality, which is similar to the increase in mortality seen following hip fractures.”

In addition, the substantial financial burden from medical costs associated with osteoporosis fractures, resulting in deterioration of quality of life, has far-reaching social implications. The IOF estimates that one in three women and one in five men over 50 will suffer from osteoporotic fractures. Stenmark is convinced, “The onus is on all of us to do something about osteoporosis.”

Hence, Fonterra’s long-term commitment to bone health is commendable. The world’s largest dairy processor has gone beyond providing milk products that are clinically proven to prevent bone loss. Through strategic partnerships, the company is able to raise public awareness on the importance bone health.

“The company has made significant investments to understand and improve bone health,” notes Aparajito Ram, brand and category director-Adult, Fonterra Brands Asia & the Middle East. He says that apart from allotting $50 million on research to increase its understanding of osteoporosis, the company is committed to providing nutritious products that are clinically proven to maintain healthy bones.

In addition, Fonterra has been a partner of the IOF since 2006, supported the 2009 IOF Asian Audit, and launched the IOF-Anlene Nutrition Awareness Campaign Grants. Likewise, it is a gold sponsor of World Osteoporosis Day.

“The International Osteoporosis Foundation has enjoyed a fruitful and productive partnership with Fonterra,” confirms IOF chief operations officer Judy Stenmark.