The danger of osteoporosis is something that many individuals forget to consider when consuming a daily diet that has little or no calcium or vitamin D in it. Over time, low intake of these nutrients can put individuals at risk for progressive bone loss, and a team of researchers has made a simple suggestion for preventing this condition.

In an article in the journal Nutrients, scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recommended that physicians prescribe over-the-counter calcium supplements for individuals who are at risk for osteoporosis, rather than immediately resorting to prescription medications.

The research team noted that many doctors may balk at such a simple solution because they expect their patients to fail to adhere to a regimen of dietary supplements.

However, bone tissue built through pharmacological means is not always structurally sound, they said, indicating that it may be more effective to treat low bone density the natural way.

By taking vitamin supplements or eating fortified foods, aging Americans may be able to increase their calcium intake to a healthy level.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that adults over the age of 50 consume 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium and at least 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D each day.