(Nutrition) Module 6 - Bone Health

Describe the structural components and function of bone (HINT: 35 % C something and 65% h something)

35% collagen, 65% hydroxapatite

Why do we need amino acids for bone health? (H: MY LEG!!!!)

Collagen is a protein; amino acids are its building blocks

No amino acid? Enjoy weaker bones

What are osteoclasts and osteoblasts, and what are their roles in bone remodeling?

Osteoclasts- destroy bones (specially old/damaged ones)

Osteoblasts- build new bones.

Remodeling occurs throughout life.

List the 3 vitamins essential for bone health, their functions, and food sources

Vitamin K - helps osteoblasts and mineral deposition (egg, yolks, liver, and cheese)

Vitamin C- essential for collagen (glue) synthesis. (fruits and vegetables)

Vitamin D- regulates calcium absorption from the small intestine (fish, oysters, mushrooms (D2), fortified milk and cereals

Which form of Vitamin K is essential for bone health?

• Menaquinone (K2) is required for bone health (promotes osteoblast formation and mineralization)

• Phyloquinone (K1) is mainly important for blood coagulation, not bone

What is the relationship between Vitamin D and sunlight, and who is at risk for deficiency?

The sun transmits it to the skin. Vitamin D is synthesized in skin from cholesterol using UV light (sun exposure)

People with darker skin, at high latitudes, breastfed infants not brought into the sun, people with fat malabsorption, adults over 65; individual with obesity (Vitamin D stored in fat cells)

Why is Vitamin D important for bone health?

Made into calcitrol, which helps the small intestine absorb calcium and phosphate.

Needed for bone growth and maintenance, deficiency causes rickets (kids) and osteomalacia (also bone softening) (adults)

Describe the relationship between vitamin D, skin color, and cancer risk

Too much sun= skin cancer and disease

Too little = low vitamin D and skeletal disease

light skinned = higher risk of low vitamin D

Dark skinned = higher risk of low vitamin D

List the 4 main essentials for bone health can their major functions

Calcium - nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and blood pressure.

Phosphorus = forms blood, balance fluids, part of ATP/DNA, cell membranes; inversely related to calcium levels.

Magnesium = makes 300+ enzymes, supports vitamin D metabolism, ATP, and protein synthesis

Fluoride= in teeth and bones; combines with CA and D to protect teeth from bacteria

Understand the role calcium in bone health and explain risk factors for osteoporosis

Makes a hard matrix for bones and teeth

Risk factors: genetic, lack of physical activity/muscle atropy reduction in estrogen after menopause (estrogen stimulates osteoblasts), hypocalcemia

Explain the cause of hypocalcemia

kidney disease and thyroid disorders.

Why is the balance of phosphorus and calcium important, and how do they influence each other?

When blood calcium rises, phosphate falls - and vice versa.

Excess phosphorus leads to calcium leaving the bones

80% is bound to the calcium balance is necessary for proper bone formation and fluid regulation.