Bones and Nutrients:  Calcium, Phosphorus, Vitamin D

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"Current and emerging bone active 'drugs] are capable of producing substantial gains in bone mass. However, nutrition must be adequate if this potential is to be realized. ...The bisphosphonates 'fosamax, etc.] and selective estrogen receptor modulators have all been tested only in the context of supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that these bone active agents would be effective in the absence of these nutrients. Adequate protein intake has also been demonstrated to protect bone mass in the elderly and to improve recovery from osteoporotic fractures. Phosphorus intake, less extensively studied, may be more important than currently recognized, particularly in elderly individuals living alone, eating little meat, and receiving anti-osteoporosis 'drugs.]

DETAILS: Suggested requirements for normal individuals are; calcium, 1000 milligrams. Vitamin D, 400 Int. Units. Phosphorus, 365 milligrams.

Bones and Nutrients Bibliography

Journal of the Amer. College of Nutrition, vol. 20, 2001, R. P. Heaney, John A. Creighton U., Nebraska