Anlene is launching an educational campaign in conjunction with World Osteoporosis Day 2021 which falls on 20 October annually, to educate Malaysians about the importance of good bone health.
In a statement, Fonterra Brands Malaysia which produces the Anlene brand of milk power, said the campaign will help Malaysians understand bone health better and to encourage them to pay more attention to care for 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, which makes it necessary for everyone to make lifestyle interventions to help slow down this process, so our bones can continue to support an active lifestyle with good mobility into the silver years,” it said.
According to the statement, a recent survey among 320 middle-aged Malaysians aged 40 to 59 years found that 95% of respondents are concerned about their bone health and which may affect their strength and mobility when they get older.
The survey, initiated by Anlene in August listed the three top contributing factors for the respondents’ concerns – lack of exercise, insufficient exposure to sunlight for production of vitamin D and avoiding dairy products in their diet.
“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 with body mass index of less than 19kg/m2 may affect our bones,” said Megawati Suzari, director of new product development, scientific and regulatory affairs at Fonterra Brands Malaysia.
The 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 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, each glass of Anlene milk contains key nutrients that are important to support adults’ daily nutritional needs. The Anlene Actifit 3x range comes with high calcium, high protein, collagen and vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, D and E. While Anlene Gold 5x is scientifically formulated for adults aged 45 years and above, with MFGM Active providing milk fat globule membrane and with no added sugars.
“We encourage all adults to make smart food choices and consume a balanced diet which consist of milk. Milk products that contains key nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein can help to meet their daily nutritional needs,” added Megawati.
The statement also quoted Associate Professor Dr Nor Faissal Yasin, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and UM Specialist Centre, who spoke in a TV talk show as part of Anlene’s World Osteoporosis Day campaign.
“Osteoporosis is a silent disease which is often diagnosed when a fragility fracture occurs, commonly in the wrist, hip or back bones. Its risk factors include a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, lack of physical activity, underweight, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, advanced age, as well as family history,” said Dr Nor Faissal.
He advised middle-aged adults to take bone care seriously to prevent developing bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis which may affect nearly 1 in 4 Malaysian adults, mostly women, aged 50 years and above.
“Prevention of getting osteoporosis is a lifelong journey, which can be started by adopting good lifestyle habits including good dietary practices and stay physically active by moving more throughout the day. Malaysians 60 years and above are also recommended to consult a healthcare professional to assess their bone health annually,” added Dr Nor Faissal.
The public can find out how old their movement is by assessing their posture, strength, flexibility and balance with the Anlene Move Age Check online quiz at https://movecheckquiz.anlene.net.my/
