Every October, the world observes World Arthritis Day and World Osteoporosis Day to remind us of the importance of bone and joint health. In Malaysia, close to 40 percent of the population is already affected by related conditions, and the number is expected to keep rising as the country’s population grows older.
It is often said that “bones age faster than people.” Bones are mainly made up of calcium compounds, collagen, fat, water, and trace elements. Calcium, which accounts for almost all of the body’s mineral reserves, plays the biggest role in keeping bones strong. About 99 percent of the body’s calcium is stored in bones and teeth. However, as we age, calcium levels naturally decline. This process is made worse by the drop in hormones and reduced activity of bone-forming cells, leading to a gradual loss in bone density. Weaker bones then become more prone to fractures, a hallmark of osteoporosis.
Research has shown that more than 15 percent of Malaysians are living with osteoporosis, and the figure climbs to nearly one in three among people above 70 years old. This issue is becoming increasingly urgent as Malaysia transitions into an ageing society. According to the Department of Statistics, the percentage of citizens aged 65 and above is expected to rise sharply from just over 8 percent in 2024 to more than 14 percent by 2040. Often called a “silent disease,” osteoporosis usually remains unnoticed until a bone fracture occurs. Besides age, other risk factors include gender, family history, ethnicity, and lifestyle habits.
There are practical steps that can help maintain bone strength. Exercising regularly, especially from a younger age, helps achieve maximum bone density. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of calcium-rich foods such as dairy, beans, and green vegetables is also important. Sunlight exposure allows the body to produce vitamin D, which supports calcium absorption. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol are equally essential, as both can speed up bone loss. Supplements with calcium and vitamin D can be helpful, especially for adults who may not get enough from food alone.
Not all calcium supplements are absorbed in the same way. Organic forms like calcium citrate, gluconate, and lactate are generally more easily absorbed than inorganic types like calcium carbonate and phosphate. Yet, studies reveal that the daily calcium intake among Malaysian adults averages only about 490 milligrams, which is far below the recommended 1000 milligrams per day for adults and 1200 milligrams for women over 50. For middle-aged and older adults, supplements that combine calcium with vitamin D are especially beneficial as they help improve absorption, support bone mass, and strengthen muscles. Taking calcium with vitamin C-rich foods, such as orange juice, may also enhance its effectiveness.
Joint health deserves equal attention. The human body has more than 300 joints, which are essential for movement and flexibility. Each joint consists of cartilage, a capsule, and a cavity filled with fluid that keeps the structure moving smoothly. Over time, strain, cartilage wear, or other stressors can cause inflammation, leading to arthritis. This condition results in pain, stiffness, and swelling, often interfering with everyday activities. Ageing, obesity, and excessive strain all increase the likelihood of joint problems, particularly as natural joint lubrication and cartilage thickness decline with age.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint condition in Malaysia, affecting up to one in five adults and more than a quarter of older adults. Rheumatoid arthritis is less common but still impacts about five in every 1,000 people. Protecting joint health requires maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints, staying physically active, practising good posture, avoiding prolonged exposure to cold or damp conditions, and considering joint supplements when necessary.
Among the most researched joint-support nutrients are glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Glucosamine is found naturally in joint fluid and helps build cartilage, but its levels fall sharply after the age of 40. Since dietary sources are limited, supplements are often recommended. Chondroitin sulphate supports cartilage repair, promotes joint lubrication, and reduces inflammation, making movement easier. MSM, an organic sulphur compound, plays a role in cartilage and skin health while also helping to reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Many modern supplements combine glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to provide more complete support for joint comfort and mobility. Protecting bones and joints is not just about preventing disease but also about maintaining quality of life as we age. This means balancing healthy lifestyle habits with the right nutrition and supplementation. With bone and joint problems on the rise in Malaysia, it is more important than ever to take preventive measures early to stay active in later years.
In line with this commitment to holistic health, Herbalife is preparing to introduce a new product traditionally used to ease joint pain, offering Malaysians extra support in staying mobile and living life with greater comfort every day.
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