It is well known that taking calcium supplements can slow down or reverse bone loss. Zinc, copper, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and magnesium also contribute to bone health in different ways. Before you settle on taking only calcium, consider the benefits of these other vitamins and supplements for protecting your bones.
Bone loss occurs when the body needs more calcium than you provide. But your bones lose important minerals during this process as well. Certain vitamins and minerals are responsible for bone metabolism and creating a bone matrix that strengthens bone and allows it to harden. Mineral deficiencies are common in people with osteoporosis, so supplementing may help to overcome a lot of the problems associated with osteoporosis.
Zinc, copper, manganese and vitamin C are necessary for collagen to form in bone tissues. Collagen forms strands inside the bone. Calcium attaches to the collagen structures and hardens. Zinc and copper absorption can be affected by calcium supplements, so it is best to take it in a highly absorbable form. You may not absorb enough zinc and copper from food sources, so supplementation may be necessary. Manganese deficiencies are also common in osteoporosis patients. Studies show that most minerals work best when combined with vitamins. You may want to try a vitamin C powder that contains essential minerals to ensure proper absorption and maximum benefit.
Vitamin D and vitamin K are also key in building the bone infrastructure. These two vitamins work together to balance calcium levels and aid in bone function. Bones are not unchanging structures. They have a complex system of breaking down and rebuilding that is always occurring, known as bone metabolism. This action helps to properly balance and distribute calcium to bones, muscles, nerves and the heart for use in several essential bodily processes.
Vitamin K deficiency is believed to play a key role in osteoporosis. Vitamin K is produced in our intestinal bacteria. The use of antibiotics, stomach problems and infections, kill off the bacteria responsible for producing vitamin K. Your doctor may want to test for vitamin K deficiency before you supplement, so talk with him/her about your bone health before you buy vitamins.
Magnesium deficiency is increasingly common and can contribute to bone loss. Magnesium is responsible for moving calcium out of the soft tissues and into the bone. Without enough calcium, this cannot take place. Magnesium also helps in the metabolic process that aids our bodies in getting calcium from food sources, so it plays a few different roles in bone formation, function and repair. Again, the absorption of magnesium can be affected by calcium, so it is advisable to take it in a highly absorbable form.
Taking a proper balance of vitamins and supplements is key in protecting yourself from osteoporosis. Because of the difficulty in obtaining enough of each nutrient in a highly absorbable form through food, you may want to consider supplementing. As always, talk with your health care provider or nutritionist when you buy vitamins to ensure that you are not overdoing it in any one area. Keeping everything in balance can help you to preserve bone, maintain calcium stores, promote healthy bone metabolism, and fight osteoporosis.
About the Author: Phil Le Breton is owner at Wholesale Nutrition. He has a strong interest in helping people achieve greater brain and body health with vitamins and supplements. Wholesale Nutrition has the best vitamin C Powder on the market (C-Salts). Visit http://www.nutri.com to buy vitamins or buy supplements of the highest quality.
