The Best Supplements for Strong and Healthy Bones
Introduction
Good bone health is essential to overall well-being. As we age, our bones naturally become weaker, but this doesnt mean theres nothing we can do to maintain or improve them. Adequate exercise, good nutrition, and supplements can all play a significant role in keeping your bones strong.
The Importance of Bone Health
Bone health matters because it affects the quality of life in numerous ways. Your ability to carry out daily activities like walking, bending, and even lifting can be affected negatively by weak bones. The realization that you aren’t able to do what you used to do so easily can be very emotional and frustrating, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
Fortunately, consuming the right supplements can help in maintaining and strengthening your bones. Here are some examples of supplements you can use:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential in the absorption of calcium, which is a primary building block of bones. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to fragile bones, making them prone to fractures.
Research shows that more than 40 percent of people are vitamin D deficient. This means that they are not meeting the minimum requirement of vitamin D in their body. Taking vitamin D supplements can help fix this problem.
Table: Foods Rich in Vitamin D
Food | IU per Serving |
Salmon | 2,000 |
Mushrooms | 400-2,000 |
Fortified juice | 100-150 |
Egg yolk | 40 |
Milk | 100 (fortified) |
Calcium
Calcium is a vital mineral that plays an essential role in bone formation. It is responsible for providing strength and structure to bones. When you don’t get enough calcium, your body takes it from your bones, leading to bone loss. Taking calcium supplements can help prevent this problem.
Table: Calcium-Rich Foods
Food | Calcium Content(per serving) |
Milk (nonfat, reconstituted, nonfat, dry) | 245-247mg |
Yogurt (low-fat, plain) | 415mg |
Cheese | 206-364mg |
Soybeans, cooked | 88-92mg |
Kale, cooked | 94-102mg |
Collagen
Collagen is an essential protein that provides bones with the flexibility they need to withstand pressure. It helps to maintain bone strength and prevents bone loss. As people age, the body loses collagen. This leads to weaker bones that are more prone to fractures.
Taking a collagen supplement can help to replace the lost collagen in your body. Collagen supplementation also helps support healthy skin, hair, and nails – bonus points!
Table: Collagen-Rich Foods
Food | Collagen Content(per serving) |
Bone broth | 1-5g |
Beef | 1-2g |
Egg whites | 1g |
Fish | 0.1-1g |
Chicken | 0.25g |
Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin, which is a protein that helps to bind calcium to your bones. Without enough vitamin K2, calcium may accumulate in your arteries instead of being deposited in your bones. This can lead to osteoporosis and heart disease.
Many people tend not to have enough Vitamin K2 in their diet, and therefore taking supplements might be the easy solution.
Table: Vitamin K2 Rich Foods
Food | Vitamin K Content(per serving) |
Natto (fermented soybeans) | 1,062mcg |
Spinach | 145mcg |
Kale | 113mcg |
Cabbage | 105mcg |
Fermented dairy products | 22-56mcg |
Magnesium
Magnesium helps in building healthy bones by regulating calcium absorption. Most of the body’s magnesium is stored in our bones. Without enough magnesium, calcium cannot be properly utilized, and it may lead to bone loss.
Table: Magnesium-Rich Foods
Food | Magnesium Content(per serving) |
Pumpkin seeds | 150mg |
Almonds | 75-80mg |
Spinach | 78mg |
Cashews | 74mg |
Dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa solids) | 64mg |
Boron
Boron is a mineral that assists in the absorption of calcium and helps to maintain bone density. Studies have indicated that boron affects the way the body handles other minerals necessary for healthy bones, such as magnesium and vitamin D.
Table: Boron-Rich Foods
Food | Boron Content(per serving) |
Avocado | 1-2mg |
Prunes | 1mg |
Raisins | 0.8mg |
Peanuts | 0.5mg |
Red wine | 0.1-0.3mg |
In Conclusion
Bone loss is not inevitable. There are several steps you can take to keep your bones strong and healthy. Exercise, good nutrition, and supplements all play a critical role. Whether you are looking to prevent bone loss or maintain good bone health, consider incorporating one or more of the supplements highlighted above into your diet. Remember that it is always best to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation.