Osteoporosis is typically seen in women after menopause (50 and older) and men from 70 onward, according to Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Ngoc of the Musculoskeletal Department at Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi. However, in recent years, the disease has been appearing in younger individuals, especially those with sedentary lifestyles, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, limited sun exposure, or postpartum women without proper micronutrient supplementation.

Vietnam has one of the highest rates of osteoporosis globally. The National Institute of Nutrition screened nearly 100,000 people in 2023-2024 and found that 50% of those 40 and older were at risk of osteoporosis, with 27% already diagnosed. Some statistics estimate that about 10% of women and 7% of men aged 20-50 have osteoporosis. At Tam Anh General Hospital, young people account for 25% of recorded osteoporosis cases, according to Dr. Ngoc.

The development of osteoporosis is often silent and easily overlooked. By the time the bones become brittle, leading to chronic back pain, height loss, or fractures, the disease is already advanced, making treatment more complex. A 28-year-old woman, Hanh, didn't take calcium supplements during or after pregnancy due to concerns about a large baby and kidney stones. After a minor bump against her bed resulted in a pelvic fracture, a bone density test at Tam Anh General Hospital revealed severe osteoporosis and significantly low vitamin D levels.

Another case is Hung, a 36-year-old man who has been a vegetarian for 7 years and works from home. He experienced frequent lower back pain and numbness in his extremities. Doctors diagnosed him with calcium and vitamin D deficiencies and bone density far below average for his age. Both Hanh and Hung were prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements and advised to adjust their diets, increase sun exposure, and engage in appropriate exercise. They are undergoing regular bone density monitoring to adjust their treatment plans as needed.

Bone density check at Tam Anh General Hospital. Photo: Linh Dang

Bone density check at Tam Anh General Hospital. Photo: Linh Dang

After 30, bone density gradually decreases. In women, bone loss accelerates significantly during the first 5-10 years after menopause. In men, the rate is slower, but those who consume excessive alcohol, are inactive, or have chronic conditions that disrupt absorption are at higher risk. Postpartum and breastfeeding women, like Hanh, have very high calcium and vitamin D requirements.

According to Dr. Ngoc, without proper supplementation, the body "draws" calcium from the skeletal system to maintain stable blood calcium levels, leading to weakened, brittle bones prone to fractures even from minor trauma. An unbalanced diet can also lead to deficiencies in essential bone nutrients. Limited sun exposure further reduces the body's ability to synthesize vitamin D.

"Many people mistakenly believe that only older adults need calcium supplements, while in reality, calcium needs are highest during periods of growth (puberty), pregnancy, breastfeeding, and after age 50," Dr. Ngoc said, adding that adults need about 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium daily, a level often not met by the typical Vietnamese diet. Besides nutritional and lifestyle factors, underlying medical conditions can also contribute to osteoporosis in young adults.

Dr. Ngoc advises young people on early osteoporosis screening and prevention. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Ngoc advises young people on early osteoporosis screening and prevention. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Ngoc recommends focusing on bone health from early life until 25-30 to reduce the risk of later osteoporosis. A diet including milk, small fish with bones, tofu, and green vegetables provides calcium from food sources. Breastfeeding and vitamin D supplements are essential for infants. Pregnant and postpartum women should take calcium and vitamin D supplements as prescribed by their doctors. Adults should get 15-30 minutes of morning sunlight daily to synthesize vitamin D. If dietary intake is insufficient, calcium and vitamin D supplements can be used under a doctor's guidance.

Women over 50, men over 70, those with a history of unusual fractures, strict vegetarians, and those with chronic conditions such as hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, chronic liver disease, or chronic inflammatory arthritis should undergo regular bone density checks.

Linh Dang