Nutrition and bone

It is commonly believed that diet composition is important throughout life for optimizing bone health and reducing osteoporotic fracture risk. This contribution offers a critical overview of the main dietary components which are reported to be important. There is evidence to suggest that peak bone mass and later fracture risk are influenced by nutritional exposures in utero, in infancy and during childhood and adolescence. There are also particular concerns that individuals with a low calcium intake or vitamin D status may be at an increased risk, particularly at vulnerable periods during growth, and at times of high requirement (e.g. during pregnancy and lactation). Several other nutrients may play a key role in bone health, including vitamin K, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, protein and sodium. In addition to specific nutrients, food groups (e.g. fruit and vegetables, pulses) may also have a positive effect on bone health.