ABSTRACT
Although most of the bone strength (including bone mass) is genetically determined, other nutritional, environmental, and life style factors may influence bone health. Nutrition is one of the important and modifiable factors in the accrual and maintenance of bone mass and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The nutrients of most obvious importance to bone health are calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), since they comprise roughly 80% to 90% of the mineral content of bone. Ca is a limiting mineral because its intake is inadequate and below recommendations in women across all age groups, according to numerous population surveys in the United States, the most recent one from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data set (1). Therefore, Ca has been studied most extensively in relation to bone health. However, other minerals and trace elements are also crucial in carrying out reactions and metabolic processes in bone but have been studied in less extent (2).
