33818 Essential Nutrients Affecting Bone Health

Course overview

Discussion of bone structure and physiology, factors affecting vitamin D status, the impact various nutrients have on bone health, and the role of maternal nutrition plays in bone health. Bones play an important role in providing body structure, calcium storage, and protecting our brain and other vital organs from injury. Proper nutrition is critical to ensure that individuals are receiving the appropriate amount of protein, vitamins and minerals necessary to produce and remodel bone throughout the lifespan. While bone health begins in utero, the health habits and lifestyle of children, adolescents, and adults have an impact on the risk for bone disease in the future. Worldwide, approximately 8.9 million fractures occur annually, and 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 5 men over the age of 50 experience an osteoporotic fracture at some point during their adulthood. Multiple factors affect bone health, including age, exercise, smoking cigarettes, and ensuring adequate intake of key nutrients that support bone health. When effective treatment options are followed, along with living a lifestyle that supports bone health, such as adequate intake of nutrients affecting bone health, fractures can be reduced by approximately 70%. This program discusses bone structure and physiology, factors affecting vitamin D status, effects of various nutrients on bone health, and the role of maternal nutrition on bone health.