Chapter 12. Micronutrients for Bones
Chapter Review
IMPORTANT: Key Takeaways
- Throughout our lives, our bones are continuously growing and changing shape through two processes called growth (ossification) and modeling. In the process of modeling, bone tissue is dismantled at one site and built up at a different site. In adulthood, our bones stop growing and modeling, but continue to go through a process of bone remodeling, in which bone tissue is degraded and built up at the same location.
- There are various vitamins and minerals that play important roles in maintaining bone health:
- Calcium: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and is crucial for bone and tooth formation and strengthening.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D can be synthesized by the skin when exposed to UVB rays in sunlight. It plays a role in regulating calcium and phosphorous levels by increasing absorption in the small intestine or controlling the excretion of calcium in the urine.
- Vitamin K: Vitamin K plays an essential role in blood coagulation and modifies the protein osteocalcin, which is involved in the bone remodeling process.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus is associated with calcium as a part of the mineral structure of bones and teeth.
- Magnesium: Magnesium helps maximize bone structure, plays a vital role in bone maintenance and protein synthesis and repair, and is associated with decreased risk of osteoporosis.
- Fluoride: Fluoride is known for its role in combating tooth decay. Insufficient fluoride intake can contribute to dental cavities, while excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development can cause fluorosis, which leads to tooth discolouration.
- Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by porous and weak bones that have low density. An insufficient intake of these vitamins and minerals can increase one’s susceptibility to developing osteoporosis in the long term due to decreases in bone mass, bone density, and strength which can increase the risk of fractures (broken bones).
Practice Questions
- List and explain the various functions of the skeletal system.
- Explain the role of bone remodelling in maintaining bone health across one’s lifespan, and outline the steps involved in bone remodelling.
- How does dietary calcium intake affect bone health? What happens when blood calcium levels are low?
- Which factors influence calcium bioavailability, and how do they impact dietary recommendations?
- Why is the RDA for calcium elevated for adults above the age of 50?
- Explain the role of vitamin D in regulating blood calcium levels and promoting bone health.
- What is the role of vitamin K in wound healing?
- Which individuals are most at risk of experiencing phosphorous toxicity?
- What are the health benefits of magnesium beyond bone health maintenance?
- Explain how socioeconomic challenges may increase the incidence of tooth decay among certain communities in Canada.
- How might vitamin deficiencies contribute to the development of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, and how can they affect the quality of life and independence among older adults? How might lifestyle changes mitigate the risk of developing such bone diseases?
