According to the National Osteoporosis Society, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men will develop osteoporosis over the age of 50.
Without treatment, osteoporosis can cause painful and disabling fractures, particularly in the wrist, hip and spine.
Fortunately, there are nutritional steps you can take to nourish your bones and safeguard against excessive bone loss.
Calcium, magnesium, boron, vitamin D and vitamin K are essential for protecting bones.
Studies in women have shown that calcium supplements can reduce bone loss in the hand and arm as much as 50% and have a beneficial effect on the spine.
Additionally, individuals with osteoporosis have lower magnesium content than people without osteoporosis.
The mineral boron has been shown to aid in calcium retention and absorption.
A key factor in the poor absorption of calcium is low stomach acid.
Studies confirm that 40% of postmenopausal women are severely deficient in stomach acid.
Vitamin C and malic acid are useful supplements to help boost mineral absorption.
The major biological function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones.
The severity of bone fractures has been shown to correlate with circulating vitamin K2 levels.