Dietary Factors Affecting Osteoporosis and Bone Health in the Elderly

Abstract Osteoporosis is a growing problem in the world. Two of the most important nutrients affecting bone health are calcium and vitamin D. Adequate nutrition can help to reduce and sometimes even stop these losses of bone mass typical for postmenopausal women and older men. On the basis of literature data one can conclude that milk and dairy products are the most abundant sources of calcium and positively affect bone health in the elderly, preventing bone fractures. Vitamin D is very important in bone metabolism and the main sources of vitamin D are fish, especially those with red meat. Besides dairy products, increased intake of fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Moderate alcohol intake decreases the risk of osteoporotic fractures in older adults. Calcium intake may need to be adjusted for dietary factors as sodium or vitamin D intake and nondietary factors as sun exposure, smoking, or physical activity.