Q J Med 2001; 94: 53-56
© 2001 Association of Physicians
Editorial |
Nutrition and bone: is there more to it than just calcium and vitamin D?
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
Bone mass, structure and turnover are the major determinants of our risk of osteoporosis-related fractures and it is pertinent therefore to examine the influences on these. While it is clear that genetic factors play the dominant role,1 environmental influences have an effect, and their importance lies in the opportunity that exists to alter these with positive benefits on fracture risk. Primary among these environmental influences is what we eat. Many readers will assume that calcium and vitamin D are the major dietary influences on bone metabolism and fracture risk and while these may be important, they are certainly not the only potential dietary influences. It is feasible therefore that supplementation of other macro- or micronutrients may have value in influencing fracture risk, perhaps especially in those with specific genetic traits, a practical use of gene-nutrient interaction. Of even more practical significance
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