20/11/2025
WHICH NUTRIENTS ARE THE BEST FOR YOUR BONES AND WHERE TO FIND THEM?
• CALCIUM
o This is needed for every cell, muscle, heart and nerve function.
o We have to get from diet, the body does not produce this
o If there isn’t enough calcium in our diet and therefore in our bloodstream, the body ‘steals’ it from the bones themselves
o Found in :
▪ dairy products (although often nutritionists will dispute this however the NHS and Royal Osteoporosis Society list dairy products high in their list for calcium.) If someone is dairy intolerant however, they may be doing their bone health more damage by consuming dairy.
▪ LEAFY GREENS – this is our favourite but also our recommended source of calcium. Any dark green veg (such as kale or broccoli) as well as fresh herbs (coriander for example) all contain high levels of calcium and aid absorption as they contain other essential nutrients
▪ Edame beans and TOFU
▪ Canned fish with bones – sardines, salmon
▪ Almonds
• Vitamin D – this was discussed in an earlier post but supplementation is recommended
• PROTEIN – the ‘building blocks of life.’
o Protein is like the scaffolding to which calcium and phosphorous bond to, harden and form.
o A lack of protein in our diet has multiple effects but bone health will certainly be affected especially in the older population when their appetite may reduce and therefore their protein consumption
o Can be found in:
▪ Dairy products
▪ Fish, meat and poultry
▪ Legumes
▪ Whole grains
▪ Nuts, seeds
▪ Some vegetables – corn, broccoli and asparagus
BONE BROTH
Bone broth has more recently become popular as a way of getting high levels of nutrients but also with considering collagen – a structural protein found in skin, cartilage and bone. Collagen itself has become a hot topic due to anti-aging however getting the benefit of collagen is best when other nutrients are around to help it’s production. Supplementation doesn’t always offer this.
Bone broth has been reported to be high in calcium and phosphorous; to boost collagen; supports healthy digestion; helps our immunity, improves joint pain and stiffness as well as aiding good, quality sleep.