The health and strength of bones rely on a balanced diet and a steady stream of nutrients. The most important of these are calcium and Vitamin D.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral needed to build and maintain bones and teeth. Without an adequate store of calcium bones become weak, a condition known as osteoporosis. In addition, calcium is important for other physical functions including muscle control and blood circulation.

Postmenopausal women are the most vulnerable to osteoporosis. Although loss of estrogen is the primary reason for this, poor lifelong calcium and Vitamin D intake, as well as lack of exercise, play a role in the development of osteoporosis.

Though older women are at highest risk osteoporosis, men, and even young adults are often times deficient in calcium and vitamin D.

Sources of Calcium include a healthy diet that includes a variety of calcium-rich foods. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products are the biggest food sources of calcium. Other high-calcium foods include:

Vitamin D

Vitamin D aids the body in absorbing calcium. In children a lack Vitamin D leads to a condition called rickets with bone weakness, bowed legs, and other skeletal deformities, such as stooped posture. In adults low Vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia (soft bone). Like rickets, osteomalacia can also cause bone pain and deformities of long bones.

Many of those who suffer fractures (broken bones) are found to be Vitamin D deficient. Risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency include breastfed infants, older adults, those with limited sun exposure, those with dark skin, those with inflammatory bowel disease and other malabsorption conditions, and those who are obese and or have undergone gastric bypass.

Below is the National Institute of Health’s recommendation for intake of Vitamin D and suggested sources.

Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for good bone health, but must be consumed safely. If you are not sure what intake levels are right for you and your health needs, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Reference:

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/