Low bone mass (osteopenia) and osteoporosis are gradations of bone loss. Low bone mass may progress to osteoporosis. Low bone mass and osteoporosis occur when the metabolic processes of normal bone turnover is unbalanced in favor of resorption activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines low bone mass as a T-score (by dual energy absorption technology, DXA) between -1.0 and -2.5. Osteoporosis is defined at a T-score lower than -2.5.

FOSTEUM acts by restoring and maintaining the balance of bone turnover toward normal levels in osteopenia and osteoporosis. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that the genistein in FOSTEUM both reduces osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and stimulates the bone forming activity of osteoblasts. The zinc in FOSTEUM acts synergistically with the genistein, and the cholecalciferol improves the absorption of calcium and its deposition into the mineral matrix of bone.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis generally occur because of hormonal changes associated with the aging process or the use of certain classes of drugs. Bone loss associated with these conditions is primarily due to the metabolic imbalance that occurs when osteoclast activity is greater than osteoblast activity. The imbalance of bone resorption in excess of bone formation is progressive and often leads to fractures. These minimal trauma fractures may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Successful dietary management of the metabolic processes underlying osteopenia and osteoporosis helps to restore the balance between bone resorption and bone formation and consequently increases bone density over time.