Case Study

Nutrition and Osteoporosis

1. It is important to bone health because it helps maintain the necessary level of bone mass to support the structure of the body. The body is always constantly using calcium through the nerves, blood, heart and muscles. About 99% of calcium is found in the bone and teeth while the other 1% is found in blood and soft tissue. If there is not enough calcium in the body the body will take the calcium from the bones, which then results in weaker bones which then results in higher risk of fractures. Over your life span a lack of calcium could result in osteoporosis, which is “thinning of the bones”. Knowing this this could lead to fractures, causing pain along the spine and sometimes deformities.

2. The foods that are great sources for calcium are:

* Dairy foods such as low fat milk, yogurt, and cheese

* Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and spinach

* Fruits such as oranges, kiwi, dried figs and prunes.

* Beans and peas

* Fish such as salmon and sardines.

3. Vitamin D increases the absorption rate of calcium in the gastrointestinal tract. This vitamin is only found in few foods such as fatty fish like salmon, egg yolk and liver. If you ever had cereal or bread you will see on the box that is says fortified with vitamin D, this is just saying that this vitamin was added to the cereal because it wasn’t originally in the food to begin with.

4. The recommended daily dosages for calcium as follows:

* 0-6 months 200mg per day

* 7-12 months 260mg per day

* 1-3 years around 700mg per day

* Kids 4-13 need 800mg of calcium a day (Three 8oz glasses of milk a day)

* Kids 14-18 need roughly 1000mg of calcium a day( girls about 700mg)

* For all people 19-50 1000mg per day with 400 i.u. of vitamin D

* For people over 50 it is recommended 1,200mg per day with 400-800 i.u. of vitamin D

The supplements that can be taken for calcium (even though dietary is...