Strategic Partnership Between The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) And Anlene 

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Joining hands to raise awareness about osteoporosis and Bone Joint Muscle health

Ho Chi Minh City, October 5, 2024 – Today the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and Anlene, the global brand in bone health, announced a strategic partnership to address the growing global challenge of osteoporosis. This partnership was formalised during a signing ceremony held at Le Meridien Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

With over 500 million people worldwide affected by osteoporosis (1), and Asia seeing a particularly sharp rise in cases, this collaboration aims to improve public education on bone health and provide critical nutritional support. In Vietnam alone, 1 in 3 women over 50 are at risk of osteoporosis, making this partnership especially vital in advancing prevention efforts and promoting early detection (2)

By joining forces, Anlene and IOF are committed to enhancing consumer access to bone health education and superior nutrition through a series of initiatives. This partnership reflects a shared mission to improve global bone health and reduce the prevalence of osteoporosis-related fractures.

Scope of the partnership includes:

  • Collaboration between Anlene and local osteoporosis foundations/associations on initiatives aimed at improving public bone health through IOF’s extensive network.
  • Access to IOF’s support in driving World Osteoporosis Day campaign initiatives,
  • Inclusion of Anlene in the Committee of Corporate Advisors (CCA) of IOF, a unique forum that brings together companies from various sectors—including pharmaceuticals, orthopedic/medical devices, and the food and nutrition industries—that are committed to advancing bone and musculoskeletal health.
  • As a CCA member, Anlene will participate in regular roundtable discussions alongside other CCA members. These collaborative sessions play a crucial role in shaping the future of bone health by allowing the IOF to integrate the patient perspective at every stage of its strategic and operational initiatives. The CCA meets twice a year, providing a platform for members to share insights, propose ideas for events, congresses, educational materials, and awareness campaigns, and work together to ensure the education of healthcare professionals across various specialties.

At the signing ceremony, Dr. Philippe Halbout, CEO of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), emphasized that the cooperation with Anlene aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations in promoting bone health and addressing the growing concern of osteoporosis and musculoskeletal diseases globally. As a brand committed to developing products that support bone, joint, and muscle health, Anlene aligns with IOF’s mission to raise public awareness, education, and advocacy in order to prevent osteoporosis and related diseases.

IOF recognizes Anlene fortified milk as an important nutritional option that effectively meets nutritional needs critical for bone health, particularly in regions where such needs are currently unmet.

Over the past 33 years, ANLENE™ has engaged in impressive research on bone nutrition, sponsoring and participating in more than 25 clinical studies on bone health and physical performance. Anlene has also established strong partnerships, including with IOF, to further bone health education. With its robust network of independent researchers, medical professionals, and clinical research organizations, Anlene has demonstrated a long-term commitment to public health, highlighted by millions of bone scans conducted across multiple countries. Anlene's trusted reputation in bone health nutrition make it an important partner for IOF. 

From the side of Fonterra Brands Vietnam, Mr. Roshan de Silva, General Director of Fonterra Brands Vietnam, shared: As a pioneering organization in education and advocacy for bone health, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has officially become a strategic global partner of Anlene. This collaboration not only strengthens the shared mission but also opens opportunities for IOF and Anlene to create positive impacts on public health, particularly in reducing the risk of osteoporosis and improving the quality of life for millions of people in Vietnam and around the world. To fulfill the commitment to enhancing bone and joint health, Anlene continues to promote the free bone screening program for the community, which has been ongoing for over 15 years in Vietnam and globally. This practical action aims to raise awareness about osteoporosis, giving people the opportunity to detect the condition early and take proactive measures to protect their bone health. Through this program, Anlene hopes to not only provide knowledge but also encourage people to build sustainable and scientific habits in taking care of their bones and joints.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Anh Thu, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Osteoporosis Association, explained that osteoporosis is a bone disease caused by the loss of bone mineral density and damage to the microstructure of bone tissue, making bones weak and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis often progresses silently without obvious symptoms, but signs may include sudden back pain, reduced height, a hunched posture, and bones that break easily even with minor impact.

Associate Professor Dr. Vu Thi Thanh Thuy, President of the Hanoi Osteoporosis Association, shared: "Osteoporosis is an alarming issue globally and in Vietnam due to its severe impact on health and the economic burden on society, particularly due to fractures such as hip fractures. Studies show that the average calcium intake from daily meals of Vietnamese people is only 534.5 mg/day, which is lower than the recommended levels in Vietnam and globally. Therefore, you can prevent osteoporosis early and protect your bone and musculoskeletal health by supplementing with calcium-rich foods or calcium-enriched milk. Listen to your body to take care of your bone and joint health starting today(3).

According to a survey on bone density screening conducted among nearly 100,000 Vietnamese people from 2023 to 2024, up to 50% of individuals aged 40 and older are at risk of osteoporosis, and 27% are already affected by it. Notably, the osteoporosis rate among women aged 50 and older reaches 33%, highlighting the necessity of early prevention and bone health care. Regular screening can help understand the condition of bone and joint health and enable timely intervention measures (4).

Experts indicate that nutrition plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling osteoporosis. Calcium-rich milk, fortified with multiple nutrients, including MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane), not only provides essential nutrition but also helps improve mobility and strengthen bone and muscle health within four weeks.

Anlene nutritional supplement milk contains essential ingredients that support bone and joint health, including MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), rich in calcium, collagen, vitamins, and minerals. It helps reduce the risk of bone aging and strengthens muscles after 4 weeks. Anlene milk is now recommended by the International Osteoporosis Foundation as an effective option to meet important nutritional needs (5).

 

*Sources of Information:

(1): https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/news/world-osteoporosis-day-take-five-steps-better-bone-health-20221020-0109
(2): Osteoporosis, Le Anh Thu, Medical Publishing House, 2020
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8208545/ and https://fsh.org.vn
https://tphcm.chinhphu.vn/gan-50-dan-so-tren-50-tuoi-tai-tphcm-can-dieu-tri-loang-xuong-101221215181458108.htm
(3): Research on the calcium intake from daily meals of Vietnamese people during the periods 1990-2000, 2000-2010, and 2010-2020 by the National Institute of Nutrition of Vietnam (excerpted from "Daily Calcium Needs and Sources to Protect the Musculoskeletal System and Other Organs" by Associate Professor Dr. Le Anh Thu, Chairperson of the Ho Chi Minh City Osteoporosis Association).(4): Data taken from the Partnership program between National Nutrition Institution & Anlene for bonescan activities for Vietnamese people to raise awareness of Healthcare.