Calcium & Bone Health
A small amount of calcium is absorbed into the blood and used for the healthy functioning of the heart, muscles, blood and nerves. Bones act like a calcium bank. If there is not enough calcium in your diet the body will take what is needed from your bones for use in other parts of the body. If this happens your bone density (bone strength) will gradually decline and you may be at risk of developing osteoporosis.
Vitamin D & Bone Health
Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium from the intestine to support healthy bones. Vitamin D also plays a role in supporting growth and maintenance of the skeleton and regulating calcium levels in the blood.
Exercise and Bone Health
Exercise plays an important role in maintaining bone health. Research has demonstrated that when it comes to our bones not all exercise is equal. Bones benefit when a certain amount of impact or strain is placed on them making specific types of exercise most beneficial.
Osteoporosis Treatment and Bone Health
Most medications function by slowing or blocking the activity of bone removing cells (called osteoclasts) while leaving bone forming cells (osteoblasts) at work. This helps improve bone strength over time.
Anorexia Nervosa and Bone Health
The onset of anorexia mainly occurs during the teen years which is also an important time for bone development and building bone mass (with the peak bone mass normally reached by mid-twenties). People who have anorexia nervosa (or have suffered from it in the past) are at higher risk of having poor bone health.