Vitamins good for bones
Vitamins play a key role in maintaining strong and healthy bones. Here's a list of the most important vitamins for bone health and what they do:
1. Vitamin D
Function: Helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for bone formation.
Deficiency risks:
Weak bones, increased risk of fractures, rickets (in children), osteomalacia (in adults).
Sources:
Sunlight (the body produces it when exposed to UVB rays)
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
Fortified milk, cereals, and juices
Supplements (often needed in low-sunlight areas)
2. Vitamin K
Function: Helps bind calcium to the bone matrix and supports bone mineralization.
Deficiency risks: Lower bone density, higher risk of fractures.
Sources:
Leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli)
Fermented foods (natto, sauerkraut)
Liver, eggs
3. Vitamin C
Function: Necessary for collagen formation, which is part of the bone’s structural framework.
Deficiency risks: Weak connective tissue, slower bone healing, scurvy.
Sources:
Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi
Bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
4. Vitamin A
Function: Helps with bone remodeling (old bone being replaced by new).
Caution: Too much vitamin A (especially from supplements) can actually weaken bones.
Sources:
Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach (beta-carotene form)
Liver (retinol form – be cautious with high intake)
Comments