It’s important to build strong bones during your childhood and teenage years to reduce your risk of fractures and osteoporosis in later life.

Genetics account for more than two-thirds of your bone strength but good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can maximise your genetic potential. Eating enough calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, protein, fluoride, vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, magnesium, zinc and iron all help to achieve this.

This means regularly drinking soya milk with added calcium and vitamin D, and eating eggs, lean red meat, oily fish and shellfish, wholegrain foods, citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables.

In addition, avoid smoking and too much alcohol, and make sure you walk or jog regularly to build and maintain maximum bone strength.