[Calcium intake and osteoporosis in many countries]

From the viewpoint of preventing the life-style related diseases, daily diet and nutrient intake are important. In particular, an adequate intake of calcium is one of the important means of preventing osteoporosis. Calcium intake is much lower in Asia and Africa than in the United States and Europe, mainly due to the exceedingly low intake of milk and dairy products. However, although the prevalence of osteoporosis, especially hip fracture, is currently much higher in Western countries than in developing Asian countries, in the rapidly industrializing countries of Asia and other areas, the prevalence of osteoporosis is rapidly approaching the level in Western countries. As the world population continues to age, it is necessary to consider the prevention of osteoporosis from the viewpoint of a global problem.