The food that you eat affect the health of your bones. Getting the right combination of foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients in your diet is important for both your bones and overall health.1,2 A healthy diet can slow the rate of bone thinning as we age and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.3 It is important to make healthy food choices and this quick reference guide can help you!
Each day aim to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of dairy, fish and lean meats, fruits and vegetables to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to build and maintain strong healthy bones. The most important nutrients for people of all ages are calcium, protein and vitamin D. Download the Be Bone Healthy eating guide for more tips and a list of 20 bone healthy ingredients!
Ensure that your diet has enough calcium, vitamin D and protein. These nutrients help to support bones and muscles and thereby help to lower the risk of falls and fractures. And talk to your doctor about a bone healthy diet today!
AGE | GENDER | CALCIUMa | VITAMIN Db | PROTEINc |
19–50 years | Female Male |
1000 mg 1000 mg |
600 IU 600 IU |
46 g 56 g |
51–70 years | Female Male |
1200 mg 1000 mg |
600 IU 600 IU |
46 g 56 g |
> 70 years | Female Male |
1200 mg 1200 mg |
800 IU 800 IU |
46 g 56 g |
a Calcium supplementation should be considered for those who cannot get enough calcium from their diet and who are at high risk for osteoporosis. b For older adults over 60 years a vitamin D supplement (800–100 IU/day) can support greater muscle strength and improved bone health. c The recommended daily intake of protein for healthy adults is 0.8 g per kilogram of body weight. |
These bone-healthy super foods provide your body with essential nutrients to support healthy bones and muscles.
Add some to your diet today!
FOOD | NUTRIENTS |
Dairy foods | Milk, yoghurt and cheeses are very high in calcium which can easily be absorbed. They are also great sources of phosphate and high-quality protein which benefit bone health. |
Fish | Canned sardines and salmon (with soft edible bones) are a great source of calcium. And fatty fish varieties such as salmon, mackeral, tuna and sardines also contain vitamin D! |
Vegetables | Green vegetables (e.g. broccoli, curly kale & bok choy) are a great source of calcium and also contain essential micronutrients such as vitamin K, magnesium and carotenoids which support healthy bone growth and development. |
Fortified foods | Juice, breakfast cereals, soy milk, rice milk, snacks and breads are available with added calcium and vitamin D to help you gain the right nutrients in your diet |
If you are not getting the recommended amount from food alone or are taking an osteoporosis medicine, you may need to complement your diet by taking multivitamins or supplements such as calcium and vitamin D. Your doctor will recommend the right supplements for you.
References
1 International Osteoporosis Foundation. Prevention. osteoporosis.foundation/health-professionals/prevention.
2 National Osteoporosis Foundation. Your guide to a bone healthy diet. nof.org/healthy-bones-guide.
3 International Osteoporosis Foundation. Serve up bone strength. Nutrition and bone health throughout life. Fact sheet. 2015. osteoporosis.foundation/educational-hub/fact-sheet.
4 International Osteoporosis Foundation. Serve up bone strength throughout your life. 2015. osteoporosis.foundation/educational-hub/material/brochures.