Osteoporosis: the role of micronutrients

• Published in: The American journal of clinical nutrition 2005-05, Vol.81 (5), p.1232-1239
• Main Author: Nieves, J.W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Bone and Bones - drug effects; bone density; bone fractures; bone mineralization; Bones; Calcium; Calcium - therapeutic use; Child; Child, Preschool; dietary minerals; disease prevention; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Micronutrients - therapeutic use; Middle Aged; nutrient deficiencies; Nutrients; Nutrition Policy; nutritional adequacy; Osteoporosis; Osteoporosis - prevention & control; protective effect; risk factors; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; Vitamin D; Vitamin D - therapeutic use; vitamin deficiencies; Vitamins - therapeutic use; women
• ISSN: 0002-9165; 1938-3207
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/81.5.1232

Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat. Adequate nutrition plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis; the micronutrients of greatest importance are calcium and vitamin D. Calcium has been shown to have beneficial effects on bone mass at all ages, although the results are not always consistent. Higher doses than the current US recommendation (600 IU) of vitamin D in the elderly (age greater than or equal to 65 y) may actually be required for optimal bone health (800-1000 IU/d). The elderly can clearly benefit from increased vitamin D intakes; however, the potential importance of vitamin D in peak bone mass is just being investigated. Vitamin D has been related to falls, with supplementation reducing the number of falls. There are clear fracture benefits demonstrated in randomized clinical trials of calcium and vitamin D supplementation. The other micronutrient needs for optimizing bone health can be easily met by a healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intakes for magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and other potentially important nutrients. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the importance of adequate calcium and vitamin D intakes (easily monitored by serum 25(OH)D) for optimal bone health, as well as the prevention of falls and fractures. In addition, a healthy diet that includes 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables should optimize the intake of micronutrients required for bone health.