Nutrition material 11

Nutrients Involved in Bone Health

Initial True or False Questions

• Activity and Bone Density

  • True or False: As long as we stay active, we can continue to increase bone density throughout our lives.

• Calcium Sources

  • True or False: Very few foods—except milk, yogurt, and cheese—provide calcium.

• Vitamin D Production

  • True or False: The body is capable of making vitamin D, so we do not necessarily have to consume it in our diet.

• Osteoporosis Affects

  • True or False: Osteoporosis is a disease that affects only elderly women.

• Weight and Bone Health

  • True or False: Being overweight or obese may increase a person’s risk for osteoporosis.

Learning Outcomes

1. Functions and Types of Bone, Growth, and Remodeling (pp. 430–433)

2. Assessment of Bone Density and T-score Significance (pp. 433–434)

3. Functions of Calcium, Absorption Factors, Food Sources, and Toxicity/Deficiency (pp. 434–441)

4. Functions of Vitamin D, Synthesis Process, Food Sources, and Toxicity/Deficiency (pp. 441–447)

5. Contribution of Vitamin K to Bone Health, Food Sources, and Toxicity/Deficiency (pp. 447–449)

6. Roles of Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Fluoride in Bone Health, Food Sources, and Toxicity/Deficiency (pp. 449–453)

7. Osteoporosis Consequences, Risk Factors, and Treatment (pp. 453–459)

Bone Composition and Structure

• Bone Functions:

  • Support for body structures.

  • Protection of vital organs (e.g., rib cage protects heart and lungs).

  • Movement in conjunction with muscles and tendons.

  • Mineral storage (calcium, phosphorus).

  • Blood cell production.

• Types of Bone:

  • Cortical Bone: Dense outer layer.

  • Trabecular Bone: Spongy interior with rapid turnover; sensitive to hormonal changes and nutrient deficiencies.

• Bone Cell Activity:

  • Osteoclasts: Cells that break down bone.

  • Osteoblasts: Cells that build new bone.

Bone Growth, Modeling, and Remodeling

• Bone Growth: Increases size from birth until early adulthood.

  • Rapid growth occurs in early childhood and adolescence.

• Bone Modeling: Determines bone shape throughout development.

• Bone Remodeling: Continuous process in adulthood to maintain bone integrity.

  • Resorption: Breakdown of old bone.

  • Formation: Building of new bone.

Factors Influencing Bone Density

1. Peak Bone Density: Influenced by nutrition, activity level, and hormonal factors.

2. Age Factors: Bone mass increases until around age 30, then begins to decline, especially after age 40.

Calcium Importance for Bone Health

• Functions of Calcium:

  • Provides structure and strength to bones and teeth.

  • Regulates nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

  • Maintains acid-base balance.

• Absorption Factors: Enhanced by Vitamin D.

• Food Sources: Dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods.

• Calcium Toxicity and Deficiency:

  • Toxicity uncommon; may cause imbalances with other minerals.

  • Deficiency leads to weaker bones and increased risk of fractures.

Vitamin D Role in Bone Health

• Functions:

  • Enhances calcium absorption.

  • Supports bone mineralization and health of teeth.

• Synthesis: Sunlight exposure converts precursors in the skin to active Vitamin D.

• Deficiency Consequences: Leads to osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children.

• Sources: Fatty fish, fortified dairy, supplements.

Vitamin K Contribution to Bone Health

• Functions:

  • Acts as a coenzyme for proteins that regulate calcium metabolism.

  • Necessary for synthesis of bone proteins (e.g., osteocalcin).

• Food Sources: Green leafy vegetables, cheese, eggs.

Other Minerals Impacting Bone Health

• Phosphorus: Key component of bone structure; RDA of 700 mg/day.

• Magnesium: Important for calcium metabolism; RDA varies by age and gender.

• Fluoride: Involved in dental health; no established RDA.

  • AI for adults is 4 mg for men and 3 mg for women.

Osteoporosis: Definition and Risk Factors

• Osteoporosis Description: Characterized by low bone density and risk of fractures.

• Risk Factors:

  • Nonmodifiable: Age, gender, family history.

  • Modifiable: Nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle choices (smoking, drinking).

Prevention and Treatment

• Nutritional Support: Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and regular exercise are crucial.

• Medications for Osteoporosis: Include bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, and other treatments to mitigate bone loss.

Summary

• Osteoporosis is a significant health issue affecting millions; effective management includes a combination of dietary care, lifestyle modifications, and possible pharmacological intervention.