KARACHI, March 9: Incidence of osteoporosis is on the rise even among the not so old, due to high intake of nicotine and caffeine either through smoking or tea consumption.

Osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and are easily broken, is commonly noticed among aged people, particularly in women in the menopause stage.

Dr Said Minhas of the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC), in his presentation during the second day of the 17th Annual Symposium of the Pakistan Society of Physicians here on Saturday, said that cases of osteoporosis in those in their late thirties had been reported in the country.

According to him, cautious examination and assessment revealed smoking to be the major contributory factor. He added that women taking too much tea were also among the more frequently reported cases. Another cause of the disease, he said, was high protein diet with less calcium content in the food.

Prof Moinuddin of the Baqai Medical University, in his speech underscored the need for strict implementation of the Safe Blood Supply Policy in the country.

Presentations were also made by Dr Sattar Jaffer, Dr Tariq Mehmood, Dr Sarwar Orakzai and many others.—APP