[Nutrition-related bone disease]

Bone disorders clearly related to nutrition are osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Osteomalacia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D or a disturbance of its metabolism. Dietary deficiency of phosphate or excess of aluminum or cadmium will also cause osteomalacia. Osteoporosis is associated with low intake of calcium and other nutrients. Dietary copper deficiency might stimulate bone metabolism and increase in hip fractures. Excess vitamin A intake was also associated with lower bone mineral density and higher risk of hip fractures. Excess vitamin D sometimes causes mental simplicity, congenital heart disease and calcification of soft tissue. Therefore not only diet but also drugs and supplements of nutrients should be carefully observed in older women.