If you find yourself concerned about bone health, you may be taking calcium supplements, but are likely overlooking the importance of bone vitamins. While calcium is vital the heath and rejuvenation of bones, it’s far from all they need. Vitamins are the often overlooked building blocks of radiant health – and bone health is no exception. Certainly, you need calcium and other minerals, but you need vitamins as well. Here’s a rundown of the most important, and why.
VITAMIN A
We all know that vitamin A is good for the eyes. But what about the bones? This is a difficult question, because it depends on how much of whey type of Vitamin A you are consuming. Carrots and other vegetables are not high in Vitamin A, contrary to popular belief. They are high in beta-carotene, which your body easily converts to vitamin A. Retinol, often referred to as the true Vitamin A, is easily absorbed by the body, and commonly used in supplements.
Vitamin A is crucial to proper bone development, however too much of it triggers accelerated bone loss. Beta-carotene has not been associated with bone loss, and is considered safe. However, excess retinol can be dangerous, especially to your bones. Topical treatments, such as acne medicine and anti-wrinkle creams containing retinol have been shown to detrimentally effect bone health, just like ingested retinol. If you are uncertain whether you get an adequate amount of Vitamin A in your diet, consult your physician before taking supplements. Too much or too little can have equally detrimental health effects.
VITAMIN B
Research has proven older women deficient in Vitamin B12 are more likely to experience bone loss. Presumably, the same would hold true of the untested groups, men and younger women. This is also an important vitamin for healthy nerve functioning, and vitality. Although it is only one of many B vitamins, all of these work more efficiently when taken together. Choose a B-Complex rather than a straightforward B 12 supplements.
VITAMIN C
Naturally, Vitamin C is highly recommended as a source of antioxidants, and an immune system booster. However, recent research has began uncovering the function of Vitamin C in bone health. In addition to assisting optimal bone growth, Vitamin C is needed for the production of collagen. Calcium helps make bones hard, but hard can be brittle. Collagen is greatly responsible for the strength and resilience of bones.
VITAMIN D
If you are taking calcium and mineral supplements for bone health, you may be disappointed in the results without adequate Vitamin D. It is essential to your body’s ability to absorb and process minerals. According to doctors, one of the most common causes of calcium deficiency is actually Vitamin D deficiency – not lack of consuming adequate calcium.
VITAMIN E
Extensive research has shown that higher levels of Vitamin E are associated with improved quality and structure of new bone cells. While all forms of the vitamin are said to be helpful, Gamma Toctrienol has shown the most potential, for the fastest results.Even if you add specific supplements as needed, a good multi-vitamin with chelated minerals should be included unless your physician recommends otherwise. An unhealthy body can’t make healthy bones.