Diet in early adulthood is so important because by the time we obtain into our late twenties it is too late to turn back damage caused by poor diet and nutrient deficiencies and the chance to build strong bones has transpired.

Half of all women and one in five men develop osteoporosis after the age of 50. Brittle bones, also referred to as fractures, brought on by osteoporosis can be quite painful and slow to recuperate from. A poor diet for all those in their teens and early twenties now often see a substantial increase in the amount of people suffering fractures and also the complications related to them in the future.

Unfortunately, the current eating routine of teenagers and teenagers is really a ticking time bomb for their bones and time is running out to allow them to prevent permanent damage.

A survey completed on behalf of the NOS finds that 70% of 18 – 35 year olds are currently, and have previously been, dieting. Additionally, 20% had cut or significantly reduced dairy in their diet. Dairy is an important source of calcium, vital in building bone strength when you are young.

Alarmingly, the most common diet for all those aged 25 and under was 'clean eating', which could see dieters cutting out whole recommended food groups from their diet. The survey also showed that under 25s tend to be much more likely than every other age group to be following health, diet or nutrition bloggers on social networking. This has led to concern within the influence the trend eating regimes promoted on social media are having on teenagers and young adults, and the impact it could have on the near future health of the generation's bones.

The foundations of excellent bone health are built in early adulthood, usually prior to the age of 25. Diet at the moment plays a key part in protecting the near future health of bones. Cutting out recommended food groups during this stage of bone development could put future bone health at significant risk, and specifically boost the risk of developing osteoporosis, a disorder that causes bones to become fragile and break easily.

The National Osteoporosis Society thus remains calling on parents to speak to their children about the possible dangers to their bones and is offering support and tips on having a conversation using their children and grandchildren about getting calcium and vitamin D to their diet at the beginning of a significant campaign called 'A Message to My Younger Self'.

Without urgent action being come to encourage young adults to incorporate all recommended food groups to their diets and avoid particular 'clean eating' regimes, we are facing the next where brittle bones will become only the 'norm'. We all know that osteoporosis is a painful and debilitating condition and teenagers have just one chance to build strong bones and reduce their risk of developing severe problems in later life.

What can people do?

• A balanced diet, including all food groups, is essential for good bone health.
• The foundations of good bone health are made prior to the age of 25, so diet in early adulthood plays a key part in protecting the future health of bones.
• Calcium and vitamin D are essential components of a healthy diet plan especially essential for bone health.
• Specific foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D include most milk products, green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, broccoli and baked beans.
• Vitamin D can also range from sunlight and it is important to spend some time with skin subjected to the sun's rays.

Information for people who wish to talk to their children or grandchildren will be found at www.nos.org.uk/myyoungerself from 12th April (the launch from the campaign).