Bone Health Flashcards
(9 cards)
Nutrients that increase bone strength
• The nutrients that increase bone strength are the
micronutrients calcium and vitamin D as well as
phosphorus and fluoride.
• Vitamin D may be obtained from our diet or from
exposure to sunlight.
Why is your skeleton important?
• Your skeleton begins to grow when you are in the
womb, so the diet of a pregnant woman is very
important.
• During this time in the womb and childhood, the
bones are being built.
• Up to around the late 20s, the skeleton gets
stronger as it lays down calcium aided by vitamin
D.
What is rickets?
• If insufficient vitamin D or calcium is eaten in the diets
of children this may lead to rickets.
Children with rickets
Children with rickets have weak and soft bones. This
may cause the leg bones to change shape and bow
outwards, as they are not strong enough to support
the body weight.
Is rickets still a problem in the UK?
• Yes, the number of cases of rickets has
increased in recent years.
• This may be due to a lack of exposure to
sunlight as children play indoors more and a
lack of vitamin D in the diet.
• Children aged 6 months to 5 years should be
given vitamin drops which contain vitamin D as it
is difficult to get enough in the diet.
What is osteoporosis?
In adults a condition known as osteoporosis can
develop, which can be caused by a lack of vitamin
D and calcium from early childhood through to the
late 20s.
Adults with osteoporosis
Adults with osteoporosis are much more likely to
break a bone if they fall, as their bones are
weaker and more brittle.
How to prevent osteoporosis
Eating a healthy diet including calcium and
vitamin D, as well as exercising, can help to
prevent osteoporosis.
