Bone health rarely tops anyone’s daily to-do list. However, the nutritional gaps that affect it can start much earlier in life than most people assume. According to the 2023 National Nutrition Survey from DOST-FNRI, calcium intake remains low across multiple Filipino age groups.
The numbers are striking. Among adolescents aged 13 to 18, 85.4% did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for calcium. Meanwhile, 91.4% of Filipino adults aged 19 to 59 also fell short. Among older Filipinos aged 60 and above, the figure reached 91.3%. Clearly, this gap spans nearly every stage of life.
A Global Problem, Not Just a Local One
The concern extends well beyond the Philippines. A May 2026 paper published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences introduced the Global Calcium Dashboard. This platform compiles country-level data on calcium intake, related health outcomes, and calcium policies worldwide. The researchers described low calcium intake as a widespread global health problem. Notably, they linked inadequate intake to health concerns including osteoporosis and fractures.
World Osteoporosis Day Puts Bones Back in Focus
On October 20, World Osteoporosis Day brings renewed attention to lifelong bone health. This year’s campaign, “Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life,” emphasizes that every stage of life matters. The campaign covers building strong bones during childhood and adulthood. It also covers protecting against osteoporosis later in life. The message stays consistent: bone health is a long game.
The timing also lines up with a bigger shift in local care. The Philippines recently introduced updated clinical practice guidelines for osteoporosis and fragility fractures. These guidelines cover prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management, replacing guidance that dated back to 2011. The updated guidelines emphasize prevention and proper risk assessment. This includes addressing calcium and Vitamin D insufficiency among at-risk populations.
Building Strong Bones Starts With the Basics
For Filipinos, all of this reinforces one simple point: proactive bone health starts with nutritional foundations. Adequate calcium is one part of the equation. Vitamin D, meanwhile, plays an important role in helping the body absorb that calcium. Regular physical activity, including weight-bearing and strengthening exercises, also supports bone health over time.
LAC FullCal®: A Convenient Way to Fill the Gap
As part of its commitment to everyday wellness, LAC Philippines offers LAC FullCal®. It’s a convenient calcium citrate powder formulated to support bone and skeletal health. Each serving provides a 2:1 Calcium-to-Magnesium ratio. Magnesium, in turn, supports the body’s use of calcium while also contributing to healthy nerve and muscle function. The formula additionally includes Vitamin D to support calcium absorption. It also contains high-grade fish collagen peptides for overall skeletal health, plus Vitamin C to support collagen production.
Its powder format offers a practical alternative for people who find tablets or capsules difficult to swallow. Each stick works on its own or mixed into water or a preferred beverage. The recommended intake is one stick twice daily. This makes it a convenient option for busy individuals who still want to stay consistent.
Supplements, though, work best as a complement rather than a replacement. Calcium-rich foods and adequate Vitamin D matter here. So do regular physical activity and appropriate medical assessment. Together, they all play a role in supporting long-term bone health.
A Foundation Worth Protecting
This World Osteoporosis Day, LAC Philippines encourages Filipinos to look beyond visible signs of health. Instead, pay attention to the foundations that support the body every day. Strong bones take time to build and maintain. As a result, bone health deserves attention at every stage of life, not just when problems appear.
LAC Philippines is part of LAC Global, one of Asia’s largest specialty retailers in nutritional supplements, vitamins, and minerals. Its roots date back to 1997, with a presence across more than 250 stores worldwide. For more information, follow @LACworldwidePH on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, or visit LAC.com.ph.
