Strong bones require minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It is also known that vitamin D plays a role in calcium absorption, and deficiencies are common among the elderly. Furthermore, deficiencies in vitamin A, folic acid, and vitamin K appear to be much more widespread among elderly patients with bone fractures compared to healthy control groups. This is highlighted in a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, where the researchers take a closer look at the importance of vitamins for bone health.

Vitamin D is important for calcium uptake and bone health. According to a placebo-controlled follow-up study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, children whose mothers supplemented with vitamin D during their pregnancy continue to have stronger bones, even at the age of seven years.
The pregnant women in the study took 25 micrograms of vitamin D, which is more than twice the officially recommended intake. It is generally important for the child’s health that its mother has optimal vitamin D levels in the blood during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Calcium and magnesium are vital for our bones, nervous system, muscles, heart, blood pressure, and many other functions. It is essential to maintain the right balance between the two minerals that work in a team and can easily be compared to yin and yang. Vitamin D is also needed for the uptake and utilization of the minerals. Still, deficiencies of all three nutrients are widespread and that increases the risk of infections, neurological disturbances, muscle cramps, constipation, hypertension, osteoporosis, cancer, and a number of other grave diseases. In our part of the world, many people get too much calcium from dairy products and supplements. That can disrupt the delicate balance between calcium and magnesium and result in oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and cell death.