ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR BONE HEALTH [1]^,[2],[3]

Nutrient

Therapeutic Dose

Dose per day

Beneficial Effects

Calcium

1,200mg

Calcium is a component of building bone.

Magnesium

250-600mg

Magnesium acts on several hormones including PTH and calcitonin to regulate calcium.

Vitamin D

6-800iu

Vitamin D is involved in calcium absorption and metabolism; the kidney converts this to 1,25-(OH)2 D₃; impairment of the last step has been associated with osteoporosis, which may be related to estrogen, magnesium, and/or boron deficiencies.

Boron

1-2 mg

Boron is useful in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and plays a major role in calcium and magnesium metabolism. It is necessary for the action of vitamin D, which stimulates the absorption and utilization of calcium. It may be essential for the conversion of vitamin D to its active form.

Zinc

15-30mg

Zinc is necessary for proper action of many body hormones, including thymic hormones, insulin, growth hormone, and sex hormones.

Copper

1.5-3mg

Copper is necessary for the proper function of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which is required in the cross-linking of collagen and elastin. A deficiency is associated with poor collagen integrity and the manifestation of osteoporosis and other bone and joint abnormalities.

Manganese

15-20mg

Manganese deficiency causes skeletal abnormalities.

Vitamin K

150-500mcg

K₁ is important in bone health; it is responsible for activating osteocalcin, which then joins with calcium and holds it in place within bone.

Pyridoxine B₆

5-25mg

B₆ may prevent osteoporosis by improving homocysteine metabolism and other mechanisms.

Folic Acid

5mg

Folic acid is involved with homocysteine metabolism; deficiency result in increased homocysteine, which may promote osteoporosis by interfering with the formation of proper collagen thus resulting in defective bone matrix.

Cobalamin B₁₂

1,000mcg

B₁₂ is involved in homocysteine metabolism; homocysteine is a factor in the progression of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.

Silicon

20-40mg

Silicon is required for proper bone and connective tissue integrity.

Vanadium

50-100mcg

Vanadium has a role in improving mineralization of bones.

Pycnogenols: PCO

Proanthocyanidins (PCO) and anthocyanidins are important in collagen cross-linking and have a unique ability to bind to collagen structures directly, increasing collagen integrity by inhibiting its destruction.

[1] Gaby, Alan. Every woman’s essential guide: Preventing and reversing osteoporosis. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1994.

[2] Murray, Michael. T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.

[3] Pizzarno, J.E. and M. T. Murray. A Textbook of Natural Medicine. Bothell, WA: Bastyr University Publications, 1996.