[Dietary guidelines for osteoporosis-comparison among different countries]

Physician's guidelines for osteoporosis based on evidence from randomized, controlled clinical trials were available in many countries. Most of these guidelines include not only pharmacological therapies but also non-pharmacological treatments. Non-pharmacological treatments include nutrition as high intake of calcium and vitamin D. The calcium intakes are 1,200-1,500 mg/day in WHO, North America, and Europe, while that in Japan is as low as 800 mg/day. The vitamin D intakes are 10-20 microg/day in all other countries except Japan, in which the intake is about 5 microg/day. Other dietary guidelines in most of the countries including having optimal body weight, maintaining adequate protein intake, balanced diet, and avoiding excess sodium and caffeine are similar to Japanese guidelines. However, enough intakes of vitamin K and other vitamins and minerals are not included in these guidelines except Japan because of weak evidences so far.