Nutrition and bone health

Abstract

Low bone mass leads to fracture risk. Osteoporosis affects over 10% of the population and one of every two women over the age of 50 years. Genetics predicts more than half of bone mass. Diet and weight bearing exercise are two lifestyle choices that can influence the risk of fracture. Nutrients are the structural constituents of bone. As bone is a living tissue and turns over, albeit more slowly than other tissues, there is an obligatory loss of minerals daily that must be replaced through diet. Three servings of dairy products daily are recommended to replace those losses. Alternative sources of nutrients can come from calcium fortified orange juice, plant-based beverages, or tofu to provide many nutrients needed for bone health. Supplements can provide nutrients at risk for being inadequate such as calcium or vitamin D.