Nutritional Aspects in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are critical factors in the age-related increase in fracture risk. A bone-conscious diet is a critical component of both prevention and basic treatment of osteoporosis. An adequate supply of calcium as an important component of bone tissue is essential both to achieve peak bone mass during the growth phase and in osteoporosis. Especially during osteoporosis drug therapy, adequate intake should be ensured, A large proportion of European society is vitamin D deficient. In addition to an effect on calcium homeostasis and bone mineralization, vitamin D also influences musculature and fall risk. Especially a combined substitution of calcium and vitamin D seems to have a favorable effect on the fracture risk. Similarly, a deficiency of vitamin K is widespread. Vitamin K has a relevant function in bone mineralization as well as in the prevention of ectopic mineralization. The effect of substitution on fracture risk is still controversial. Proteins are an essential building block of muscles and bones. Furthermore, an increased intake leads to the secretion of IGF-I, which has various beneficial effects on bone metabolism. Regarding a reduction of the fracture risk, inconsistent study results can be found here as well. The long postulated negative effect of animal protein on bone homeostasis could not be verified in recent studies.