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Updated: May 15, 2026

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Published on: March 1, 2022
Update on nutrients involved in maintaining healthy bone.
Mariangela Rondanelli1, Annalisa Opizzi, Simone Perna
1Department of Applied Health Sciences, Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona di Pavia, Pavia, Italy. mariangela.rondanelli@unipv.it
Osteoporosis affects the elderly, but nutrients like vitamins B, C, K, and silicon show promise for bone health. Further research is needed to confirm benefits of other nutrients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a significant health concern in the elderly, impacting quality of life and longevity.
- While calcium and vitamin D are established, research is exploring additional nutrients for bone health.
- Natural compounds are of increasing interest for osteoporosis prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on nutrients and bioactive compounds for bone health.
- To identify key nutrients beyond calcium and vitamin D that may support bone maintenance.
- To assess the evidence for various dietary components in preventing osteoporosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on osteoporosis and nutrition.
- Analysis of research on vitamins, minerals, and other food constituents.
- Evaluation of in vitro, animal model, and human clinical trial data.
Main Results:
- Vitamins B, C, K, and silicon show potential for bone health maintenance.
- Supplementation with these vitamins may be beneficial, pending further clinical validation.
- Evidence for long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, copper, selenium, and strontium is inconclusive.
Conclusions:
- Vitamins B, C, K, and silicon warrant consideration for bone health strategies.
- Additional clinical studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of these and other nutrients.
- Promising in vitro and animal data exist for several other compounds, but human data are limited.
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