Adequate nutrition is critical in osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Many nutritional factors have been examined for associations with osteoporosis and bone mass. Calcium is essential for bone development and stability, and low calcium assimilation is believed to contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of calcium levels and increases its uptake in the intestine. Boron is involved in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus metabolism, contributing to prevention of bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Vitamin K2 from a vegetable source activates osteocalcin, the major noncollagen protein in bone and a specific marker of bone formation.64
