Osteoporosis is an illness that affects bone strength and density while significantly raising the risk of fracture. Usually characterised by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease. In addition, there are other factors that can affect osteoporosis risk, including genetics, low body weight, smoking, race, and medication use. Intricate interactions between physiological systems, particularly hormone states, and hereditary and environmental variables make up the multifaceted aetiology of osteoporosis.
Several studies have emphasised the significance of various additional minerals and food components, even though calcium and vitamin D3 have traditionally been the primary nutrients in the treatment plan for osteoporosis. Additionally, the results of calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation have been mixed, indicating that relying solely on this intervention may not be sufficient. Fruit and vegetable intake, along with dairy, is a major modifiable factor associated with bone health. More importance than previously believed has been revealed for several minerals, including potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin K, many B vitamins, and carotenoids. Consuming protein seems to positively impact bone health rather than detrimental, especially in older persons. It is recommended to minimize foods with poor nutrient densities while encouraging balanced meals with lots of fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and other protein-rich foods, and also adding the best vitamin D3 supplement to the diet plan.
Below are some of the dietary elements that could help prevent osteoporosis and maintain good bone health:
Veggies and fruits
Consuming enough potassium-rich foods, found in fruits and vegetables can improve bone health. The nutritional alkaline load in one's diet may be increased by eating more vegetables, especially ones with high magnesium and potassium content, which may, in turn, encourage the bone formation and prevent bone loss. In addition, consuming fruits and vegetables appear to have a long-term rather than a temporary impact on bone strength, becoming especially significant during life phases where bone weakening is increased, such as in middle-aged women.
Dairy products
Inorganic phosphate, protein, calcium, and vitamin D all contribute to the strength of bones and skeletal muscles. Dairy products and modified dairy foods are significant suppliers of these nutrients. The indices of bone health can be considerably enhanced by consuming a diet richer in protein, dairy products, and dietary calcium daily.
Another study indicated that dairy inhibited bone resorption more than mixed protein among overweight persons participating in a weight loss program.
Mixed Proteins
Mixed-source dietary proteins such as eggs, meat, and fish offer essential nutrients for bone strength, helping to prevent osteoporosis and enhancing bone health.
Although these are not as effective as the previously mentioned nutrient sources, sufficient intake of these mixed proteins can help retain bone health to some extent.
Legumes, beans, and Pulses
All have high protein and fibre content and help maintain proper bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, various minerals, such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and others, are present in pulses and legumes that help build and maintain bone structure and strength.
Dried fruit
Fruits include a variety of bioactive substances and antioxidants in addition to essential nutrients, which may play important roles in bone health.
In addition to boron, copper, potassium, sorbitol, quinic acid, and chlorogenic acids, prunes contain a substantial amount of vitamin K1, which enhances bone strength.
Dietary Sodium
Although other nutrients, like calcium or potassium, may also have an impact, dietary salt is thought to affect calcium excretion in urine, with high intakes connected to elevated excretion and enhanced bone resorption markers linked to bone loss.
Vitamin D3 Supplements
The beneficial effects of Vitamin D3 supplements have been widely researched and discussed. In the quantities and formulations examined so far in older persons, it appears that vitamin D3 by itself is inadequate to prevent fractures. Although more research is needed, calcium and vitamin D3 supplements may be necessary to avoid hip or any other form of fracture.
Conclusion
A nutritious diet is crucial for all ages, but skeletal integrity is especially vulnerable at specific life phases. For instance, increasing fruit, vegetable, and silicon intake positively reduces bone loss in middle-aged women. According to a study, a "whole foods" strategy is necessary to combat osteoporosis. The risk of osteoporosis may be mitigated by consuming a healthy, balanced, and varied diet throughout one's lifespan, especially during critical periods of bone turnover.