Move Over, Calcium — This Nutrient Is The True Hero For Avoiding Osteoporosis
Here's how to optimize your bone health & longevity.
JimMin
Author:
February 17, 2023
mbg Supplement Editor
mbg Supplement Editor
Morgan Chamberlain is a supplement editor at mindbodygreen. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree in magazine journalism and a minor in nutrition.
Image by BONNINSTUDIO / Stocksy February 17, 2023 Osteoporosis—a condition in which bones become fragile from loss of tissue, often from deficiency of calcium and/or vitamin D—affects approximately 10 million Americans1 over the age of 50. What’s more, the likelihood of developing osteoporosis over the age of 80 increases 30% in men and 47% in women2, according to a 2017 review from Osteoporosis International. It’s clear that musculoskeletal health becomes a top concern later in life—and maintaining vitamin D sufficiency can help support your bone longevity in a major way. 
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The connection between vitamin D & osteoporosis.
How to achieve & maintain vitamin D sufficiency as you age.
Vitamin D sufficiency is vital for optimal musculoskeletal health—especially as you get older. "As we age, our cutaneous production, or the skin synthesis, goes down naturally," mindbodygreen’s vice president of scientific affairs, Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, says on the mindbodygreen podcast. “Older age is a major vitamin D deficiency risk factor6 to be mindful of—for yourself and your loved ones," she adds.
The most effective way to reach and sustain healthy vitamin D status at any age is through quality, consistent vitamin D supplementation. Look for a supplement that delivers 5,000 IU of vitamin D3—bonus points if it also includes healthy fats for optimized absorption. (Check out mindbodygreen’s roundup of the best vitamin D supplements for a list of products that fit the bill.)
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The takeaway.
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