Did you know that bone remodeling (the process of replacing old and damaged bone with new bone) is a lifelong process? Our body resorbs old bone, making way for new formation so as to keep the bones strong and healthy and also enable them to meet the changing mechanical needs of the body.
In general, we attain the peak bone mass around the age of 30. As we grow older, the rate of resorption gets higher than rate of regeneration, and this may lead to a condition called osteopenia (low bone density). The severe form of osteopenia, termed as osteoporosis, makes your bones brittle and more susceptible to fractures. Is everyone at risk for osteoporosis? Well, it depends on a variety of factors including age, gender, physical inactivity, hormone levels, family history, tobacco/alcohol intake, and medications; but your diet is of paramount importance.
Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, boron, zinc, and vitamins like D, C, A, and K are all crucial for proper bone growth and maintenance. Most people supplementing their diet with calcium tablets tend to overlook the significance of other vitamins and minerals for bone health. Let’s have a closer look at how each of them help in maintaining holistic bone health.
Best Nutrients for Strong and Healthy Bones
1. Calcium:
The major component of bone tissue; calcium is a key nutrient for building strong and healthy bones. Bone calcium constitutes 99% of the total calcium in the body. In cases of deficiency or poor absorption, the body turns to these calcium reserves (bones) to restore calcium levels in the bloodstream, and this can cause bone thinning over time.
2. Vitamin D:
Have you ever wondered why you are calcium deficient despite a high intake of calcium-rich foods? It may be because you are deficient in Vitamin D as well. The body fails to absorb calcium in the absence of adequate Vitamin D. It is an essential vitamin to deposit calcium in the bones. This is the reason why calcium supplements also come with vitamin D and a couple of other vitamins. Bone supplements such as Pura Vida’s Advanced Bone Support that contain Vitamin D in the form of D3 (cholecalciferol) are ideal as D3 can easily be converted into its active form and is more bioavailable than D2.
Along with Calcium & Vitamin D; the below Vitamins and Minerals for Bone Health are Necessary too.
[ Also Read: Why is Vitamin D Important for Kids and Children? ]
3. Manganese:
It stimulates the functioning of osteoblasts (cells involved in new bone formation) and regulates the activity of osteoclasts (cells that break down bones). It aids in the metabolism of many bone-building nutrients and is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen - a key component of bone matrix.
4. Vitamin C:
One of the vitamins required for the formation of collagen, Vitamin C also protects bones from oxidative stress, which can result in bone loss. There are many studies supporting the link between Vitamin C and bone mineral density.
5. Copper & Zinc:
Two important minerals that assist in collagen synthesis; copper and zinc play a key role in maintaining the bone mineral density. Copper and/or zinc deficiency can put you at risk for bone loss and fractures.
6. Vitamin K:
This fat-soluble vitamin is involved in the activation of osteocalcin, the protein produced by bone-building osteoblast cells. It directs the deposit of calcium in bones. The anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin K can also help in protecting bones from osteoporosis. Vitamin K also comes in two forms - K1 and K2. Vitamin K2 is more effective for bone health and so it is widely used in formulation of bone supplements.
7. Boron, Selenium & Silicon:
Several observational studies on the benefits of boron, silicon, and selenium for bones have shown that these supplements helped in improving bone mineral density and bone strength in adults. Hence, it may be beneficial if your bone supplements have these minerals as well.
If you are wondering whether there are any supplements that contain all these necessary vitamins and minerals for bone health, be informed that PuraVida’s Advanced Bone Support Supplements has them all, because they have been formulated by Doctors & Pharma experts. Additionally, it is enriched with the ayurvedic goodness of Cissus Quadrangularis extract, a plant-based extract derived from Cissus Quadrangularis (Hadjod). Its antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects can help reduce joint aches, heal broken bones and fractures, and prevent bone loss. These supplements are formulated by doctors to support holistic health of your bones.
Puravida Advanced Bone Support Tablets