Interní Med. 2009; 11(3): 111-114

Nutrition and its relationship to bone metabolism

prof. MUDr. Petr Broulík DrSc

III. interní klinika VFN a 1. LF UK, Praha

Osteoporosis is a serious disease of civilized society, leading to fractures whose complications can lead to death. While we have abundant literature related to the effects of drugs on bone metabolism, literature dealing with nutrition and trace elements on bone metabolism is unique. More and more attention is paid to the requirements for adequate nutrition throughout life and its relation to osteoporosis. The proper nutrition with sufficient amount of protein is extremely important for normal bone metabolism. The cumulative effects of nutrition is particularly important in determinig peak of bone mass and further maintaining bone mass throughout the life. Bone requires a lot of nutritional factors to remain healthy and strong. This is vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, zinc, manganese, cooper vitamin K and C and sufficient amount of protein. In particular sufficient calcium (500 to 1500 mg daily) and vitamin D (recommended dose 800 IU daily) are necessary for bone. In particular it is important sufficient amount of vitamin D and calcium during the growth to reach peak of bone mass which is geneticaly predermined. Our ability to find out the relationship between nutritional factors or even whole diet on building and maintaining bone mass is limited by methodological difficulties.

Keywords: nutrition, osteoporosis, calcium, vitamin D.

Published: April 1, 2009  Show citation