Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that support and promote the metabolic functions of the body. Most of these micronutrients are obtained from the diet with the exception of vitamin D; the “sunshine vitamin”. Micronutrients are required in smaller quantities compared to the macronutrients which are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Among the functions of micronutrients to the body is the promotion of bone health. The bone is strong because it comprises of a mixture of minerals deposited around a protein matrix. The combination of the deposited minerals and the protein matrix together contribute to the strength and flexibility of the skeletons in animal and human beings. Much of the bone structure is actually protein and contains connective tissues such as the endosteum or periosteum, a network of nerves and blood vessels, and of course the marrow at the center (Clark, 2014).
According to Clark (2014), the health and strength of bones depend on a balanced diet and a constant supply of dietary intake of nutrients providing good nutrition that plays a major role in keeping bones and muscles healthy. This
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About 99% of the calcium in the body is found in bones and teeth, while the other 1% is found in blood and soft tissues. The primary function of vitamin D is to maintain calcium and phosphorus absorption in order to supply the raw materials of bone mineralization. Calcium is required for normal growth and development of the skeleton. Adequate calcium intake is critical to achieving optimal peak bone mass and modifies the rate of bone loss associated with aging. The mineral; Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium while improving bone growth. Calcium may also help enhance the effect of drugs that reduce bone loss, such as estrogen and bisphosphonates e.g. drugs that restrict the action of cells that resorb bone (Heaney
However some of the basic bone functions include storing of crucial nutrients, minerals and lipids, producing red blood cells for the body, protect the organs such as heart, ribs and the brain, aide in movement and also to act as a buffer for pH. With the differences in all of the bones there are four things that remain the same in each bone, their cells. Bones are made up of four different cells; osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes and bone lining cells. Osteoblasts produce and secrete matrix proteins and then transport the minerals into the matrix. Osteoclasts are responsible for the breaking down of tissue. The osteoblasts and osteoclasts are both responsible for remodeling and rebuilding of bones as we grow and age. The production of osteoclasts for resorption is initiated by the hormone, the parathyroid hormone. Osteocytes are the mature versions of osteoblasts because they are trapped in the bone matrix they produced. The osteocytes that are trapped continue making bone to help with strength and the health of the bone matrix. The bone lining cells are found in the inactive bone surfaces which are typically found in
Her findings from this research was praised as she concluded that small supplementary feeding with fruits, milk and wheat germ improved the growth of school children. She also found out that the over dosage of Vitamin D produced brittle bones and calcification of soft tissues. If that wasn’t enough, she continued her extensive research and showed that pantothenic acid is essential for normal pigmentation of hair and skin. Lastly she was intelligent enough to prove that the bone density of woman decreased between 50 and 65 years of
Calcium helps make bones strong and dense. Calcium is not made in the body so the body has to get it from the bones. When calcium is low bones will release less calcium into the blood stream.
Bone contains an inorganic component composed of mineral salts, primarily calcium and potassium, and an organic component made of collagen, a complex protein that is found in various forms in bone and other connective tissues. According to Wolff’s Law, bone is capable of adjusting its strength in proportion to the amount of stress placed on it. When young, healthy people participate in exercise programs for extended periods of time, their bones can become more dense through increased deposition of mineral salts and the number of collagen fibers. On the other hand, if bones are not subjected to mechanical stresses, as in individuals with sedentary lifestyle or
Bones of the skeletal system serve as storage compartments for vital minerals like phosphorus and calcium. Excessive calcium in the blood is stored in bones. Calcium is released from the bones into the blood when there are deficient amounts of it in the blood.
Now, when considering one wants to prevent or treat Osteoporosis, it does not mean to cut yourself off of foods with small portions or extreme dieting. It is a common misconception that when a person wants to be healthy they must eat in smaller portions, and while this does have some truth, one must consider when it comes to eating healthy, it means to eat healthy by adding nutritious portions of fruits, vegetables, protein, carbs, and of course, calcium intake for the bones in one’s diet. Also, one must not deprive themselves of having a “cheat day” once a week with chips and candy. But it is a good start to begin adding calcium fortified foods and supplements, such as milk. People should at least aim for 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium. Low-fat cheese, milk, yogurt, orange juice, graham crackers, and calcium supplements are a beneficial contribution in accessing calcium to the body (Vander, 2003). Of course, Osteoporosis develops during old age, due to the gradual decline in exercising, calcium in bones, and weight loss. However, Osteoporosis is also genetically found in some people with a long history of family members who have had bone fractures. Also, many factors affect and can cause Osteoporosis and one of them is smoking. Because smokers have poor lungs, it can be difficult to exercise. Another is not going out too much,
Osteoporosis is a serious disease that leads to a faster than normal loss of the bone density, which puts the bone at a higher risk for fractures. In order to understand the causes of Osteoporosis, it is important to understand how bones are formed. Bone is a living tissue that is made mainly of collagen, calcium phosphate, and calcium carbonate. The mixture of collagen and calcium gives the bone strength and flexibility. The body deposits new bones and removes old ones; moreover, there are two types of bone cells that control the reproduction of bones. Cells called osteoclasts breakdown bone tissues thus, damaging the bone. Once the damaged bone is removed, cells called osteoblasts, use minerals including calcium and phosphate from the blood stream to make new healthy bone tissues. In order for osteoblasts and osteoclasts to work properly, hormones such us thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, and growth hormones are
...tical in preventing osteoporosis and developing fractures. One of the most important ways to prevent this disease is already taking calcium and vitamin D for building and maintaining healthy bone. With these supplements and following a healthy diet plan can help you gain these and provide you with more helpful nutrients. In following your healthy meal plan, one should take into consideration the amount of alcohol they are drinking because it can damage your bones, a plan in action to quit smoking or stay away from smoking and to get into a routine of daily exercise for yourself. Exercise is one of best ways to improve your health including strengthening your bones, balance and coordination. It can prevent falls and may reduce your risk of fractures. The ability to get some sort of exercise during your daily activities can lessen your chances of getting osteoporosis.
Since ancient times vitamin D has been the predominant cause of bone deficiencies.1 However, it was not in till the seventeenth century when both Dr. Daniel Whistler and Professor Francis Glisson made the first scientific description of a vitamin D deficiency.2 During the mid-seventeenth century there was an increase amount of children that were diagnosed with the bone disease called rickets.2 The cause of the rickets was determined to be associated to the lack of sunlight. A German researcher Kurt Huldschinsky came to the conclusion that when infants were exposed to ultraviolet light rays they became cured of rickets2. He stated that a substance in the skin was the potential source of the cure.2 In 1922, American scientist Elmer McCollum proved that when cod liver oil was heated; the beneficial effects of vitamin A in the oil were reduced.2 However, the oil remained effective in curing rickets leading McCollum to reason that a nutrient different from vitamin A was present in the oil. As a result, he named this nutrient vitamin D, which became the fourth vitamin to be discovered and named.2 Additionally, shortly after 1918, vitamin D was also discovered by an accidental experiment that included a group of scientists curing dogs affected with rickets by feeding cod liver oil to them.1
SCURVY--caused by a lack of vitamin C--also affects bone tissues. A study in the late 1980s indicated that the mineral boron is nutritionally important, as well. Apparently, it reduces loss of the bone minerals
Calcium is a mineral found in many foods that the human body cannot produce itself (National Osteoporosis Foundation). According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation it is used in the regulation of heartbeat, stimulation of hormone secretions, conduction of nerve impulses, stimulation of blood clotting, and maintenance of a healthy skeleton. They also state that we lose calcium every day through shed skin, nails, hair, sweat, and other bodily functions. Bones are also constantly being “remodeled” by removal of older pieces of bone and replacement with new bone. These losses make a daily source of calcium invaluable. Calcium has traditionally been thought of in conjunction to milk, but this connection is slowly being broken.
Rickets is a bone disease that occurs in children as a result of a Vitamin D deficiency. This disease, which was nearly eradicated in the early 20th century, has become a re-emerging health concern for various countries in the past ten years. Certain factors such as poor nutrition as a result of low socioeconomic status or high concentrations of melanin in the skin can increase the chances of getting rickets. Sufficient Vitamin D levels are crucial to the functioning of the body, especially in the absorption of calcium. This essay will examine the causes, symptoms, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of rickets; as well as the importance of Vitamin D and calcium in the prevention and treatment of this disease.
If you frequent health forums or fitness blogs, you'll have read the word “macros” before. The word is short for macronutrients. That leads to the question, “what are macronutrients?”
Minerals (micronutrient), there are various minerals and each group plays a different role, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P) all help to harden bones and teeth. Iron (Fe) plays a crucial role in haemoglobin (Hb). Potassium (K), sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) are all helpful in maintaining the bodies PH balance and are all used in action potential (Grammarly,
As they always say HEALTH IS WEALTH! Your food selection today, makes you enjoy for the moment and affects your health tomorrow and in the future!