Bone is viewed as a multifunctional organ and should be considered as such when trying to support bone health. We now know that a pro-inflammatory diet creates, within various bone cells, a low-grade chronic inflammatory state that participates in the development of progressive bone loss (1,2). An anti-inflammatory diet that is alkaline in nature is protective against bone loss, such that we should derive an abundance of calories from vegetables, fruits, and tubers (2). Lean protein is also beneficial to bone health as are omega-3 fatty acid foods, such as green vegetables and fish (1). The avoidance of these important calorie sources leads to a progressive loss of bone over a lifetime. Indeed, approximately 7.2% of postmenopausal women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis and 40% have reduced bone density (2) and the cost to manage osteoporotic fractures is approximately $38 million per day (1).

In addition to anti-inflammatory eating, various supplements may be of benefit. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and magnesium are known to protect against bone loss (1). Vitamin D has long been known to help prevent bone loss and more recently vitamin K2 is getting attention (3). Calcium is the most well-known supplement used to promote bone health and is supported by research. We offer a variety of supplements that contain calcium to support bone health, in addition to a multivitamin, magnesium, fish oil, and vitamins K2 and D3.

1. Seaman D. Health care for our bones: A practical nutritional approach to preventing osteoporosis. J Manip Physiol Ther. 2004;27:591-95.

2. Cordain L, Eaton SB, Sebastian A, et al. Origins and evolution of the Western diet: health implications for the 21st century. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005; 81(2):341-54.

3. Cockayne S, Adamson J, Lanham-New S et al. Vitamin k and the prevention of fractures. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1256-61.