Filipinos May Not Be Getting Enough Calcium to Support Their Bones

LAC Philippines highlights the importance of proactive bone health as calcium inadequacy remains a concern this World Osteoporosis Day

MANILA, Philippines, 5 October 2026 — Bone health may not always be top of mind, but the nutritional gaps that can affect it often begin much earlier in life.

What the National Nutrition Survey Shows

Data from the 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) show that calcium intake remains low across multiple Filipino age groups. Among adolescents aged 13 to 18, 85.4% did not meet the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for calcium, while 91.4% of Filipino adults aged 19 to 59 and 91.3% of older Filipinos aged 60 and above also did not meet the EAR.

The concern extends beyond the Philippines. A May 2026 paper published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences introduced the Global Calcium Dashboard, a platform compiling country-level data on calcium intake, related health outcomes, and calcium policies. The researchers described low calcium intake as a widespread global health problem, with inadequate intake linked to health concerns including osteoporosis and fractures.

World Osteoporosis Day 2026: Build, Protect, Strengthen

On October 20, World Osteoporosis Day brings renewed attention to lifelong bone health. The 2026 campaign, “Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life,” emphasizes that every stage of life matters, from building strong bones during childhood and adulthood to protecting against osteoporosis and fractures later in life.

The occasion also comes as the Philippines strengthens its approach to osteoporosis care. The country has introduced updated clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management of primary osteoporosis and fragility fractures, updating the previous 2011 guidance. The guidelines emphasize prevention and appropriate assessment of osteoporosis risk, including addressing calcium and Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency among appropriate at-risk populations.

Building the Foundations for Strong Bones

For Filipinos, this reinforces the importance of a proactive approach to bone health, starting with the nutritional foundations that support strong bones. Adequate calcium is one part of this equation, while Vitamin D plays an important role in helping the body absorb calcium. Regular physical activity, including weight-bearing and strengthening exercises, is also recommended as part of maintaining bone health.

LAC FullCal®: A Calcium Citrate Powder

As part of its commitment to everyday wellness, LAC Philippines offers LAC FullCal®, a convenient calcium citrate powder formulated to support bone and skeletal health. Each serving provides a 2:1 Calcium-to-Magnesium ratio, with magnesium supporting the body's use of calcium while also contributing to healthy nerve and muscle function.

LAC FullCal® also contains Vitamin D to help support calcium absorption, high-grade fish collagen peptides to support overall skeletal health, and Vitamin C to support collagen production.

Its powder format offers an alternative for those who may find tablets or capsules difficult to swallow, making it convenient for busy individuals. Each stick can be taken on its own or mixed with water or a preferred beverage, with a recommended intake of one stick twice daily.

Nutritional supplements can complement dietary intake, but they work best alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Calcium-rich foods, adequate Vitamin D, regular physical activity, and appropriate medical assessment when needed all have a role to play in supporting bone health.

This World Osteoporosis Day, LAC Philippines encourages Filipinos to look beyond the visible signs of health and pay attention to the foundations that support the body every day. Strong bones are built and maintained over time, making bone health worth supporting at every stage of life.

About LAC Global

Headquartered in Singapore, LAC Global is one of Asia's largest specialty retailers of nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other specialty supplements across categories like anti-aging and beauty, immunity, weight management, sports nutrition, and energy.

The company owns the LAC brand, short for Leader in Antioxidative Control™, a leading health and wellness supplement brand with a global presence. Since its founding, LAC has embarked on a pioneering journey to formulate scientifically-proven ingredients, harnessing the best of eastern wisdom and western technology to fight free radicals, combat aging brought forth by oxidative stress, and support you daily in looking, feeling, and functioning at your best. Having established a global presence since 1997, LAC's reach extends to the Asia-Pacific, U.S.A., Central & South Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Currently, there are 250 LAC branded stores in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Mongolia. LAC stringently sources ingredients from around the globe, such as the U.S.A., Japan, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland, to ensure utmost quality, and works only with the most specialized partners in developing and manufacturing health solutions.

Its other brands include Xndo Food For Health. LAC Global is dedicated to ensuring consumers stay well and live life to the fullest.

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