Maintaining good bone health is essential, especially as you age. Your bones are constantly being broken down and reformed in a process called bone remodeling, and this process requires certain nutrients in order to occur properly and keep your bones healthy. It’s important to make sure your body is getting enough of these nutrients to support bone health, and this isn’t always possible through diet alone. That’s where supplements come in. Here are some of the top supplements for bone health that may be beneficial:

1. Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and more than 98 percent of your body’s calcium is stored in the bones. This mineral is essential for bone strength and structure. The recommended daily intake of calcium varies by life stage and sex, ranging from 700 to 1200 mg per day. Individuals who require more calcium include anyone 70 years old or older, women over age 50, children, adolescents, and women who are pregnant or lactating. If you can’t meet your daily calcium needs through diet alone, you may benefit from taking calcium supplements for bone health.

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health. This vitamin plays an important role in calcium absorption and helps regulate bone turnover. Vitamin D is most easily absorbed through sunlight exposure and can also be found in a limited number of food sources. Deficiency in this vitamin is especially common in the northeastern United States and other areas with little sunshine. This is why vitamin D3 is one of the most recommended supplements for bone health, especially in combination with vitamin K2.

3. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is another fat-soluble vitamin that works alongside vitamin D to support healthy bones. Low levels of vitamin K have been linked to an increased risk of low bone density and bone fractures. The adequate intake of vitamin K for women is 90 mcg per day and 120 mcg per day for men. You can consume foods that are rich in this vitamin such as leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. However, many people benefit from taking vitamin K2 supplements for bone health.

4. Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the beneficial supplements for bone health. This mineral is necessary for your body to build and maintain healthy bones, and about 60 percent of your body’s magnesium is found in your bones. Several studies have found that people who consume larger amounts of magnesium have better bone density than those who consume low amounts. One study even found that magnesium supplementation decreased bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. It is generally recommended for adults to take 250 to 400 mg of magnesium daily. This need is slightly elevated during pregnancy and lactation.

5. Isoflavones

Isoflavones belong to a class of antioxidants called phytoestrogens. These biologically active compounds are found in soy products and have a structure similar to the hormone estrogen. They can attach to and activate estrogen receptors in the body. Research suggests that taking soy isoflavones may help combat calcium loss caused by a decline in estrogen levels during menopause. This makes them great supplements for bone health, especially in aging women who have or are at a risk of osteoporosis.

6. Omega-3s

Research suggests that there are benefits of taking omega-3 supplements for bone health because this fatty acid directly impacts bone mineral density. Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve bone strength by facilitating bone mineralization, protecting against excessive bone breakdown, and reducing inflammation. This may lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures and could also help treat arthritis.

Do you have any questions about taking supplements for bone health or managing bone-related conditions? Reach out to us at Village Discount Drugs and our knowledgeable, caring pharmacists will be happy to help!