Surgeon General Releases Report on Bone Health, Osteoporosis

WASHINGTON--The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., warned in a report released Oct. 14 that by 2020, half of all Americans over age 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis and low bone mass if no immediate action is taken. The 2004 Surgeon Generals Report, entitled Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General, is the first ever Surgeon Generals report on the topic of bone health and includes information on those most affected by osteoporosis and low bone mass, the impact of untreated bone disease, suggestions for improving bone health and the potential risk for millions of Americans if preventive action is not taken.

This report is a milestone in the field of osteoporosis and bone health, said Bess Dawson-Hughes, M.D., president of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and professor of medicine and member of the endocrine division at Tufts University. Since NOF first opened its doors 20 years ago, we have seen great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease. This report brings together all the advances we have seen, offering patients, the public and health care professionals the opportunity to improve their understanding of disease risk factors, prevention steps and treatment options, making it easier for them to take the steps they need to protect their bone health.

The report includes many recommendations for decreasing the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, including taking the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. The report advises the use of supplements if a person is not receiving enough through diet. The report also focuses on maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and minimizing the risk of falls.

This report will shape the way we approach, talk and act about bone diseases, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said. The more we learn, the more we realize that so many diseases are preventable.

The new report states 10 million Americans over age 50 have osteoporosis, another 34 million are at risk for developing osteoporosis and an additional 1.5 million people have suffered a bone fracture related to osteoporosis.

This is a very important undertaking for the Surgeon General to have done, said Annette Dickinson, Ph.D., president of the Council for Responsible Nutrition. This is a very important step forward in emphasizing both calcium and vitamin D, as well as exercise, as key components for improving bone health and I think it is key they emphasized the importance for all age groups--not just for elderly women. Obviously, we are pleased with the mention of the role of supplements, as well as of foods, conventional foods and fortified foods, and improving intake of both calcium and vitamin D. I think this would be a wonderful platform for some educational programs for consumers in the future. This is a good step forward.

Pharmavite LLC, manufacturer of Nature Made® vitamins, minerals and other supplements, announced its full endorsement of the report and plans to launch a consumer education campaign titled Stop Osteoporosis Now! The program will focus on osteoporosis prevention through calcium intake--including supplementation, exercise and changing lifestyles. It is never too late, or too early, to start taking care of your bones, said Heidi Becker, M.S., R.D., Pharmavite's consumer education specialist.

More information on the Surgeon Generals report is available online at www.surgeongeneral.gov, or a copy may be requested by calling 866-718-BONE (2663).