
Useful Resources
Osteoporosis should not be ignored! The general public may perceive osteoporosis as a mild condition that doesn’t require much attention and can be resolved through diet alone. However, that is not the case. We hope the following information can help you better understand osteoporosis. If you are concerned about having osteoporosis, you can immediately undergo a COSA osteoporosis risk assessment.
Osteoporosis Misconceptions
The general public may perceive osteoporosis as a mild condition that doesn’t require much attention and can be resolved through diet alone. However, the following information will address common misconceptions.
Is bone density testing done only with X-rays, and is it expensive and high in radiation?
Currently, bone density testing is highly advanced. Doctors may recommend a test called DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), which is the only bone density testing method recognized by the World Health Organization. The procedure takes only 5 minutes, is painless, does not require anesthesia, and the radiation exposure is 1/20th to 1/80th of a typical chest X-ray.
Can osteoporosis be cured simply by taking daily calcium supplements or drinking calcium-fortified milk powder?
No, simply taking calcium supplements or drinking calcium-fortified milk is not enough to effectively treat osteoporosis. While calcium is an essential mineral for bone health, relying on supplementation alone is not a sufficient treatment for osteoporosis.
Calcium is a crucial component of bone structure, but it needs to be properly absorbed and utilized by the body. Vitamin D plays a vital role in facilitating calcium absorption. If a person is diagnosed with osteoporosis, doctor will first ensure they have adequate calcium and vitamin D levels before initiating any medication therapy to optimize its effectiveness.
Even with proper supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, the body may still struggle to incorporate these nutrients into the bones effectively. Osteoporosis is a complex condition that requires a multi-faceted approach, often including prescription medications. These medications can work by slowing bone loss, increasing bone density, or dual effect – actions that simple calcium and vitamin D supplements alone cannot achieve. For individuals with osteoporosis, a comprehensive treatment plan developed with their doctor is necessary to manage the condition and prevent fractures. Supplements can be part of this plan, but should not be relied upon as the sole solution.
Is osteoporosis only a concern for older women?
No, that’s not the case. Bone loss begins in women around the age of 40, and the risk of developing osteoporosis increases after menopause. Men also experience accelerated bone loss as they age. Among the global population aged 50 and above, 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 5 men will experience fractures due to osteoporosis.
Does avoiding physical activity or high-impact movements prevent fractures?
As bones become thinner due to bone loss, being diagnosed with osteoporosis indicates that the bones are extremely fragile. Even minor bumps, simple movements like turning in bed, forceful sneezing, or lifting objects can lead to fractures. However, there is an increasing trend in fall-related cases, and individuals at high risk should undergo early screening to prevent further decrease in bone density and reduce the chances of fragile fractures.
Educational booklet
Download the booklet in pdf (Traditional Chinese Version Only)
Education Information Videos
Please watch the following videos to learn more about osteoporosis.
Doctor’s Sharing
Experts share in-depth insights on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.





