ABSTRACT
With the emergence of diverse lifestyle-related diseases and disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis, and an increase in osteoporosis, South Korea is rapidly becoming an aging society. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a reduction in bone mineral and bone matrix and by a change in the microstructure of the bone mass, thereby leading to an increased incidence in fracture cases or in the risk of them. The causes of osteoporosis include a lack of intake of minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D; poor control of physical conditions in females; decline in estrogen (follicular hormone) secretion due to menopause; and a lack of exercise. To prevent osteoporosis, an adequate amount of calcium should be included in the diet right from the initial growth phase of the human body so as to reach the maximum bone mass. With respect to osteoporosis preventive measures for osteoporosis, a lack of proper calcium intake has been pointed out as the major problem. In the light of this fact, the intake of calcium exceeding the current nutritional requirement is encouraged and has ignited a recent surge in the use of calcium supplements.
