10.16 : Essential Minerals for Bone Health

The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.

Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without vitamin D. Therefore, intake of vitamin D is also critical to bone health.

Calcium and phosphorus together form hydroxyapatite crystals, which provide stiffness to the bone. Calcium and phosphorus in the bones are also essential to maintain mineral homeostasis in the body.

Magnesium

Magnesium influences the activities of osteoblast and osteoclasts cells. Magnesium also affects the concentrations of both parathyroid hormone and the active form of vitamin D, which are significant regulators of bone homeostasis. Magnesium deficiency might be a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Fluoride

Fluoride can displace the hydroxyl group in the hydroxyapatite crystals to form fluorapatite crystals. Similar to its effect on dental enamel, fluorapatite also helps stabilize and strengthen bone matrix. Fluoride can also enter spaces within hydroxyapatite crystals, increasing their density. However, excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones can lead to a disorder known as skeletal fluorosis, which is characterized by weak and brittle bones.

Manganese

Manganese is required to synthesize mucopolysaccharides, also called glycosaminoglycans, one of the major components of the organic bone matrix. It also acts as a cofactor for several enzymes in the bone tissue.

This text is partially adapted from Openstax, Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Section 6.6: Exercise, Nutrition, Hormones, and Bone Tissue.