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Updated: Oct 31, 2025
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Small Animal Bone Compression Testing for Research
Published on: December 1, 2023
Bone-friendly lifestyle and the role of calcium or vitamin D supplementation
I R Reid1,2
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Bone health can be optimized by not smoking, limiting alcohol intake to ≤2 drinks/day and maintaining a healthy body weight (i.e. body mass index of about 25 kg/m2). A balanced diet with a protein content of about 1 g/kg/day and a calcium content >500 mg/day (e.g. two servings of dairy products or equivalent) is recommended. In those with poor sunlight exposure, use of a vitamin D supplement of 400-1000 IU/day should be considered. Calcium supplements cause side effects and are of unproven value. Their use is discouraged.
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