Lack of awareness on osteoporosis risk

The common misconception surrounding osteoporosis is that it is merely a condition that affects older women as a normal part of the aging process.

As a result, many people don't realise that both men and younger women can be affected and that lifestyle can have a significant impact on bone health later in life.

Siobhan Hallmark, a press officer at the National Osteoporosis Society, explained: "Up until our mid-20s, the construction cells in our bones work harder building strength into our skeleton. From our 40s onwards, the demolition cells overtake and our bones gradually lose their density as a natural part of aging."

According to experts, adults should aim to eat 700mg of calcium every day [as it is] the most abundant mineral found in bones and helps to give them strength and rigidity. Excellent sources of calcium are milk and dairy products, including the low fat varieties.

Vitamin D intake is also essential to help the body absorb calcium. Around 15 to 20 minutes of daily sun exposure is recommended.

Ms Hallmark added: "Bone is a living tissue and needs to be exercised just like muscles. Your skeleton grows stronger if you do weight-bearing exercise. This is any kind of physical activity where you are supporting the weight of your own body such as jogging, skipping or aerobics."

Figures show that one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone mainly because of osteoporosis.