Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026

Osteoclast Derivation from Mouse Bone Marrow
Published on: November 6, 2014
[The role of nutrition in osteoprotection]
Nils Schulz1, Uwe Lange2, Philipp Klemm2
1Campus Kerckhoff, Abteilung für Rheumatologie, Immunologie, Osteologie und physikalische Medizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Benekestr. 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Deutschland. n.schulz@kerckhoff-klinik.de.
Background:
Nutrition represents an essential non-pharmacological factor in the prevention of osteoporosis. Evidence-based findings support that adequate intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D promotes bone health. Vitamin D and calcium, particularly in combination, demonstrate preventive effects. The evidence regarding vitamin K2 supplementation remains inconsistent, and current guidelines do not recommend its use.
Food Composition:
Fermented dairy products, calcium-rich mineral waters, and a Mediterranean dietary pattern are associated with higher bone mineral density and a reduced fracture rate. Plant-based diets such as veganism carry an increased fracture risk if macronutrient and micronutrient intake is inadequate. Recent findings also highlight the role of the gut microbiome in osteoprotection. Overall, current data underscore the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone Remodeling
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
