A new research study has revealed that 46 per cent of Singaporean women aged 40 and above are at risk of developing bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

The results were taken from the Anlene Bone health check, which was commissioned by dairy company Fonterra. The company collated the information from bone scans that 7,000 Singaporean women over 40 did between March 2010 and January this year.

The survey found that more than a third of the women surveyed are not getting the recommended daily calcium intake of 800mg through their diet, and only one in five women exercise daily.

In addition, the study revealed that two-thirds of the women polled are worried about becoming a burden on their families as a result of poor bone health. The company advocates a balanced calcium-rich diet, regular intake of vitamin D and regular weight-bearing exercise to maintain strong bones.