VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2    January 2007 VIEW ARCHIVE

More than Just Eye Color. Genes Influence Your Health Risks by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D. While some illnesses can strike anyone at anytime, there are many diseases that do discriminate. Osteoporosis has been classified as such a disease.    Asian and Caucasian Women Share Highest Risk It is widely accepted that Asian and Caucasian women are at greater risk for developing the weak, porous bones characteristic of osteoporosis. This is primarily due to the fact that these women have naturally thinner bones1. As an added risk, nearly 90 percent of Asian women are lactose intolerant and unable to eat most dairy products.2    Dark-Skinned Women Still At Risk Although their bones tend to be denser hereditarily, Black, Hispanic and darker-skinned women are still at risk for developing osteopenia or osteoporosis. Darker pigmented skin contains a higher amount of melanin, which blocks more of the sun's rays. This results in less natural production of vitamin D by the body. Since vitamin D and calcium are important for strong bones, low vitamin D levels can contribute to osteoporosis and possibly other illnesses*. Furthermore, African American women are also plagued by a high incidence of lactose intolerance (75%), and their calcium intakes are typically 50 percent less than the RDA. Finally, osteoporosis prevention is not frequently emphasized in these women; therefore, many cases go undiagnosed.3    *For more information of Vitamin D see "Vitamin D the Shining Flu-Fighter".        You Can Beat the Odds! No matter what your racial or ethnic background, there are ways for all women to combat their risk for osteoporosis, including: Getting the minimum daily requirements for calcium and vitamin D (see chart below) through diet or calcium supplementation. When lactose intolerance or dislike of dairy foods is an issue, utilizing calcium supplements, such as Adora Dark Chocolate, is important. Participating in weight-bearing exercise daily (walking, running, dancing, lifting weights, jumping rope). Avoiding cigarettes and limiting alcohol. Educating yourself about your family history and genetic risks. Visiting your physician regularly and obtaining a bone density scan. Calcium & Vitamin D Requirements By Age* Age Calcium mg/day Vitamin D IU/day 4-8 800 200 9-18 1300 200 19-50 1000 200 51-70 1200 400 70+ 1200 600 *Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The 2004 Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis: What it Means To You. p 14.  Download here (PDF) NOTE: Many experts now feel the requirements for vitamin D are much lower than they should be.   Health Resources for Women of Various Ethnic and Racial Backgrounds   Asian Diet Pyramid   Asian Food Information Center (AFIC)   Hispanic Health Council, Family Nutrition Program   Latino Nutrition Coalition   MedlinePlus-African American Health    USDA - MyPyramid.gov     References University of Washington Women's Health, National Center of Excellence: Osteoporosis Facts: What Asian Women Need to Know. Retrieved 1/4/07 LINK NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases / National Resource Center. Osteoporosis and Asian American Women. revised May 2006. Retrieved 1/4/07 LINK NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases / National Resource Center. Osteoporosis and African American Women. revised May 2006 Retrieved 1/4/07 LINK

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