Diverse Nutrients Beyond Calcium and Vitamin D That Support Enhanced Bone Health
Osteoporosis, a condition marked by reduced bone density and altered bone quality, has traditionally led health experts to recommend a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for minimizing its risk. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra, however, presents a novel perspective through a recent Instagram reel. She sheds light on lesser-discussed nutrients that can play a significant role in aiding osteoporosis patients and bolstering bone density. In the captions accompanying her videos, Batra notes that while “Calcium and Vitamin D are widely recognized as key nutrients in osteoporosis prevention,” a broader spectrum of other essential nutrients contributes to the establishment and maintenance of robust bones.
Incorporate these nutrients into your dietary regimen for optimal bone health. Below is a compilation of nutrients endorsed by Lovneet Batra that have the potential to enhance bone density:
- Magnesium: This mineral becomes a fundamental component of the bone matrix, imparting strength to bones.
- Potassium: Essential for retaining calcium within the kidneys, potassium helps prevent bone loss by maintaining equilibrium in acid-base levels.
- Vitamin C: Abundantly found in fruits and vegetables, this vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant, potentially reducing oxidative stress and impeding bone breakdown.
- Phosphorus: Particularly crucial during periods of growth, adequate phosphorus intake is pivotal for proper bone development. Inadequate serum phosphate levels can hamper bone formation and mineralization. Lower serum phosphorus levels may signal malnutrition, which correlates with an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- Vitamin K: Present in leafy greens, this vitamin plays a pivotal role in bone health by activating essential bone proteins through carboxylation.
- Zinc: Constituting a vital element in the structure of over 200 enzymes, zinc is indispensable for collagen synthesis and bone mineralization.
- Vitamin B12: Crucial for DNA synthesis, B12 has the potential to stimulate bone-building osteoblast activity. Other B vitamins such as folate and vitamin B6 are interconnected with B12 in metabolic pathways.
- Protein: Protein consumption positively influences bone well-being by aiding calcium absorption, promoting the secretion of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and supporting lean body mass.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Chronicle Scope journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
