Around 300,000 people in Ireland have osteoporosis and the disease is not just confined to older women, a leading doctor has said.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which there is a thinning of the bones, causing them to fracture more easily. This is due to a loss of bone mass, however a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset and extent of bone loss.

According to Dr Miriam Casey, a consultant physician with a special interest in osteoporosis at St James's Hospital in Dublin, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture in their lifetime.

"Largely perceived as a disease which only affects older women, it may be surprising to learn that one-third of all hip fractures worldwide occur in men and that the condition is not simply confined to the elderly," Dr Casey said.

In fact, it is estimated that in the EU, the total number of fractures among men will increase by 34% by 2025 - that is almost 1.6 million cases per year.

Meanwhile, it is estimated that an osteoporosis-related fracture occurs every three seconds worldwide.

"It is essential to set the foundations for bone health throughout life. Both diet and exercise play key roles in ensuring that children and adolescents reach maximum peak bone mass, that adults maintain bone mass and that older adults limit the extent of age-related bone loss. This will help to sustain mobility and independence in later life," Dr Casey explained.

She said that including good sources of calcium, protein and vitamin D in the diet, as well as undertaking weight-bearing exercises, such as running, dancing and aerobics, ‘can make an important contribution to bone health'.

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) offers the following tips for healthy bones:

-Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises are especially important for bone health. These are exercises where the weight of the body is supported by the feet and legs and include running, skipping and tennis
-Nutrition: Consume a balanced diet, including good sources of calcium, vitamin D and protein
-Stop Smoking
-Talk to your GP if you are concerned about your bone health
-Get tested: Bone density scans are quick and painless and are the best way to determine bone mass and fracture risk.

Dr Casey made her comments to coincide with World Osteoporosis Day (October 20). A brochure on nutrition for bone health, which was developed by the IOF for this event, can be downloaded here