Which other nutrients help calcium absorption

Which other nutrients help calcium absorption?

Several other nutrients help calcium absorption. Vitamin D is very important for calcium absorption, it is either obtained from the diet or it is made in the skin following exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency may occur if exposure to the sun is limited and without sufficient vitamin D, calcium deficiency is likely to occur even if the diet provides enough calcium. The consequences may be serious, resulting in rickets or osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Over the last few years there have been cases of vitamin D deficiency in some large UK cities. Vegans obtain vitamin D from sunlight and fortified foods such as soya milks, cereals and margarines. It is important to get the balance right between being cautious about exposure to the sun and aware of the need for some exposure. It is now advised by the UK government that we apply sun block after 10 to 15 minutes exposure to the sun, this is so that we can synthesis vitamin D in the skin.Furthermore, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K, are all required for good bone health. A healthy diet that includes at least five servings a day of fruit and vegetables should optimise the intake of these and other micronutrients required.

What if we don’t eat enough calcium?

When the diet does not provide enough, calcium is reabsorbed from the bones to restore blood levels and maintain calcium-dependent functions. If enough calcium is then supplied in the diet, bone levels are restored, but if the diet fails to supply sufficient calcium, bone loss persists.