9 Out Of 10 Middle-Aged Malaysians Concerned About Bone Health

Middle-aged Malaysians are concerned about bone health and how it may affect strength and mobility in their daily lives

Do you know that in a recent survey conducted among Malaysians aged 40 to 59 years, it was found that 95% of respondents are concerned about their bone health and how it may affect their strength and mobility when they are older?

The survey was initiated by Anlene, Malaysia’s No. 1 Adult Milk Powder* and an advocate of strong bones, joints and muscles through good nutrition coupled with an active lifestyle. It was conducted blindly earlier in August among 320 middle-aged respondents to gain insights into their awareness of and viewpoint towards bone care and health in general.

There are three contributing factors they cited for their concerns which are:
– Lack of exercise
– Insufficient exposure to sunlight (for production of vitamin D in the body to aid calcium absorption)
– Avoiding dairy products (which are daily sources of calcium) in their diet

Findings from the survey also indicated, while middle-aged Malaysians understand the importance of having strong bones, 42% say their current focus is to protect themselves from getting COVID-19; and 33% say they are already doing their best for their health including bone health. 

 “From their responses, we found there are still gaps in their understanding of bone health, especially when it comes to areas of bone care and whether they are doing enough to support their bones, which work together with joints and muscles to help us move and live our daily lives,” said Puan Megawati Suzari, Director of New Product Development, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs at Fonterra Brands Malaysia.

Anlene is launching an educational campaign in conjunction with World Osteoporosis Day 2021 to help Malaysians understand their bone health better, and encourage them to care for and pay more attention to their bones.

The campaign will highlight how our bones may start to deteriorate after they reach peak bone mass at about the age of 30.

It is crucial for us to change to a healthier and active lifestyle so our bones can continue to support us into old age.

“Malaysian adults can take care of their bone health by doing regular exercises to help build muscles and maintain strong bones, and eating a balanced diet that contains important nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D and protein. Maintaining body weight within a normal range of body mass index is also important, as being underweight (Body Mass Index of less than 19kg/m2) may affect our bones,” Megawati advised. 

Interestingly, Anlene’s survey also found that 30% of the respondents do not know how much calcium and vitamin D to take daily, and only 30% of the respondents drink milk every day. 

“Adults are advised to consume 1000 – 1200mg of calcium and 15 – 20mcg of vitamin D in a day, as part of their daily bone care routine. However, many are not aware that, in a typical diet that is lacking in calcium-rich foods, it may be difficult for us to meet our daily calcium needs. For example, we may need to consume 200 – 240 bowls of cooked rice to get all the daily calcium we need.”

“Hence, identifying and consuming calcium-rich food sources is an important part of a balanced diet. In fact, calcium can be found in food sources such as milk, leafy green vegetables, anchovies, soy products or other calcium-fortified products. While vitamin D can be found in fatty fish (e.g. salmon, sardine), egg yolk and vitamin D fortified products including milk,” Megawati further explained.

“As such, we encourage all adults to make smart food choices and consume a balanced diet which consists of milk. Milk products that contain key nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein can help to meet their daily nutritional needs,” added Megawati.

Anlene Milk Products

Each glass of Anlene™ milk comes with key nutrients that are important to support adults’ daily nutritional needs

Each glass of Anlene™ milk comes with key nutrients that are important to support adults’ daily nutritional needs.

The ACTIFIT 3X™ range comes with high calcium and protein, collagen, and is enriched with vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, D, and E.

The Anlene™ GOLD 5X™ range is scientifically formulated for adults aged 45 years and above. It has the same key nutrients as ACTIFIT 3X™, including MFGM Active™ which provides a milk fat globule membrane, and without added sugars.

A recent study shows that participants who consumed 2 glasses of milk added with MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and important nutrients coupled with regular exercises daily, had 2 times the improvement in flexibility, 3 times the improvement in balancing and 40% improvement in muscle mass.

Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis causes bone fragility fracture, commonly in the wrist, hip or backbones

Speaking in a TV talk show as part of Anlene’s World Osteoporosis Day campaign, Associate Professor Dr Nor Faissal Yasin, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon of University Malaya Medical Centre and UM Specialist Centre, advised Malaysian adults to look at risks of bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis that affect nearly 1 in 4 Malaysian adults (mainly women) aged 50 years and above.

“Osteoporosis is a silent disease which is often diagnosed when a fragility fracture occurs, commonly in the wrist, hip or backbones. Its risk factors include a low in calcium diet, and vitamin D, lack of physical activity, underweight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, advanced age, as well as family history,” said Dr Nor Faissal.

“Middle-aged adults should take bone care seriously. Prevention of getting osteoporosis is a lifelong journey, which can be started by adopting good lifestyle habits including good dietary practices and staying physically active by moving more throughout the day. Besides, Malaysians 60 years and above are also recommended to consult a healthcare professional to assess their bone health annually,” he advised.

Strong bones are the foundation to support mobility, find out what is your Move Age by assessing your posture, strength, flexibility and balance with the Anlene Move Check online quiz https://movecheckquiz.anlene.net.my/ .