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Assortment of food Assortment of food

NUTRITION

Nutrition, especially calcium, plays an important role in preventing osteoporosis. Protein is another important nutrient for building and repairing body tissues, including bones.

For those who are lactose intolerant or who have a milk allergy, options such as calcium-fortified soy, almond and rice beverages, calcium-fortified orange juice and canned salmon or sardines are great calcium-rich alternatives.

However, it is important to note that the calcium in soy beverage is absorbed at the rate of 75% of milk and to benefit from the calcium in canned salmon, the bones must be consumed.

Not all food sources that list calcium as a nutrient are absorbed by the body.  The calcium in some foods, such as sesame seeds, rhubarb, swiss chard and spinach is not well absorbed because of their very high oxalate content, which binds the calcium. They have other nutrients, but are not a good source of calcium when calculating your daily intake.


Cheese board

Calcium

Bone is a living tissue, that is constantly renewing and repairing itself from everyday wear and tear. Calcium is essential to helping the remodeling process stay balanced. However, like many nutrients, calcium is absorbed less effectively as we age. 


Food rich in vitamin D

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin,” is produced when the sun’s rays interact with our skin. It helps build stronger bones by increasing the absorption of calcium. It also improves the function of muscles, which can improve your balance and decrease the likelihood of falling and suffering a fracture.


Food rich with protein

Protein

Diets that include recommended amounts of protein are associated with greater bone mass and fewer fractures when calcium intake is adequate. Adults with limited protein intake are at high risk for bone loss and fractures.


Food rich with protein

Magnesium

More than half of the magnesium found in our body is in our bones and getting enough magnesium in our diet is important for supporting good bone health.

Getting enough magnesium in our diet is important for supporting good bone health.


Food rich with protein

Vitamin K

Vitamin K activates a protein that helps build bone and bind minerals, such as calcium, to the bone structure.


Couple cooking

Recipes

Meal ideas containing bone building nutrients.


Nutrient Calculator

Nutrient Calculator

Are you getting the daily required amount of each bone building nutrient? Use the Nutrient Calculator to calculate your approximate daily intake for each nutrient.

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