Dr. Mao shares how a diet rich in minerals prevents osteoporosis.

(HealthDay News) -- Osteoporosis -- caused when the body can't replace bone calcium as fast as it is lost -- is common as people age, particularly among women.

More than 1.5 million Americans each year sustain a bone fracture related to osteoporosis.

Here are common risk factors for osteoporosis, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Getting older.
* Not doing enough weight-bearing exercises.
* Insufficient estrogen levels after menopause.
* Not getting enough calcium or vitamin D in your diet.
* Certain hormonal imbalances.

I know calcium is vital to women's health but I'm a bit confused as to what kind of calcium suppliment I should take, since there are different kinds. There is "chelated calcium" and "elemental calcium" and others....and I have heard mentioned that if you don't take it with Vitamin D that it's not as good or as well absorbed.

I eat veggies like brocoli and take dairy like yogurts, as well as other calcium rich foods but feel I could do with a suppliment too especially as I am not much of a milk drinker.