If you have just joined a group of more than 10 million people in the United States are diagnosed with osteoporosis ( thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone that increases fracture risk ) , you may be wondering how and why this happens , especially if you diligent exercise and eat well .Osteoporosis expert , Dr. Kathryn Diemer, of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis , recommend the best way to prevent osteoporosis , Saturday ( 6/11 ) . Dr. Kathryn Diemer said women who take care of their health properly , do not smoke , eat yogurt , exercise and take supplements of calcium likely to suffer from osteoporosis are very small compared to those who did not .Calcium needs each person is different , but for post - menopausal women recommended to consume about 1,200 mg of calcium a day . How many women still have low levels of vitamin D , but vitamin D is key to bone health .Dr. Kathryn recommend vitamin D intake of about 1,000 to 2,000 IU a day . Vitamin D is important for reducing the risk of fractures in areas most commonly affected by osteoporosis , including the spine , hip and wrist
