New Delhi, Oct 19: Crores of people in the country are estimated to be suffering from the skeletal disorder osteoporosis due to their poor nutritional vitamin D and calcium status, say doctors. "Studies conducted at the AIIMS in the late 1960s clearly established that Indian bones had poorer mineral content than those of white caucasians and those of African descent. This has been substantiated by preliminary studies using newer non-invasive techniques to measure bone density," says Nikhil Tandon, Additional Professor, Department of Endocrinology at AIIMS.
He said while there were no precise estimates of the number of osteoporotic individuals in the country, figures as high as 1-5 crores have been suggested by experts in the field.
"The possible impact of these numbers, on the health care system, is incalculable," Tandon said.
According to experts, in the Indian context, an additional burden on bone health is the poor nutritional vitamin D and calcium status of a large proportion of the population
"From the view point of public health, it is important that the magnitude of the problem is gauged, awareness of the disease enhanced among both the medical professionals and the lay public, and measures adopted to prevent the disease," Tandon said.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterised by compromised bone strength predisposing to increased risk of fractures.
Bureau Report