Dairy and bone health

Abstract

Bone health is the resultant of bone mass, bone architecture, and body mechanics. Nutrition supports all three components, with the principal nutrients concerned being calcium, protein, and vitamin D. Potassium, magnesium, zinc, and several vitamins are also involved to varying extents. Given modern food sources, it is difficult to devise a diet that is “bone healthy” without including three servings of dairy per day, not just because of dairy calcium, but dairy protein and potassium as well. © 2009 American College of Nutrition.