1 focuses on nutrients involved in bone health. How is blood calcium regulated,
ID: 822255 • Letter: 1
Question
1 focuses on nutrients involved in bone health. How is blood calcium regulated, and how are our bones affected in the process? What are some good ways to incorporate calcium into our diets? How would you advise someone with lactose intolerance?.... i.e., what foods could they eat to get the recommended amounts of calcium? What other nutrients are important in bone health? Your friend's grandmother just broke her hip, and is asking you- so just what is osteoporosis, anyway? Who is at risk? What sorts of dietary and lifestyle habits increase risk? Decrease risk?
Explanation / Answer
Blood calcium is tightly regulated by loss of calcium through the kidneys when blood levels are too high, and increased absorption and 'pulling' calcium from bone (reserves) when blood levels are too low. Hormones such as Vitamin D and Calcitonin play important roles in this regulation. (So, how can a vitamin - vitamin D - be a hormone?)
Milk, cheese and other dairy products are good calcium sources. Additionally, many vegetables - especially green, leafy ones - are good sources too. Nuts are also an excellent source.
Most people consume only half of the RDA for calcium in their diets. Thus, supplementation is a good idea. Supplements would also help those with lactose intolerance.
Many other nutrients are critical for bone health, including: protein, vitamin C, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, vitamin K, biotin, etc.
Lactose tolerance
Quit drinking soft drinks. High phosphate levels in the blood (which can be caused by consuming large quantities of pop) leach calcium from your bones and prevent the absorption of new calcium.
Get enough Vitamin D. Calcium is absorbed by the body and used only when there is enough vitamin D in your system. A balanced diet should provide an adequate supply of vitamin D from sources such as eggs and liver. Since most people don
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