| It's not just
calcium anymore: Researchers say substances found in fruit and vegetables,
such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, fiber and vitamin C, can keep
middle-aged women's bones strong and fracture free. The authors point
out that most studies on nutrition and bone health have focused on
calcium intake and paid less attention to the role of other micronutrients.
According to the researchers, intakes of nutrients found in abundance
in fruits and vegetables - namely, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin
C, and magnesium - were positively associated with bone health.
Potassium appears to slow the excretion of calcium from the body
while increasing rates of bone formation. Vitamin C appears to aid
in bone formation, as well, while magnesium is extremely important
in skeletal metabolism. In fact, recent studies suggest that magnesium
deficiency may contribute to osteoporosis.
American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition January 2000;71:142-151 (Free
Full Text Article)
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