What many people are not aware of is bone mineral density, bone status and fracture risk are related to many more nutrients than just calcium,and magnesium. Researchers from Tufts University researchers report that Vitamin C is important in regards to bone health, especially as we age because vitamin C protects against inflammation, which contributes to bone absorption and bone loss, as well as being essential for the creation of collagen, which helps strengthen bones.

• Vitamin C was less protective in men who were smokers. There are limitations to this finding because of other confounding factors such as male smokers may have been taking more vitamin C in the first place.
• The study did not show similar benefits for Vitamin C in women who suffer from bone loss associated with osteoporosis earlier and more frequently than men.

According to Dr. Mone Zaidi, director of the bone health program at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, "although the Tufts' research has shown a strong association of vitamin C and bone density, to clearly establish that vitamin C protects men and women against bone loss as they age, Zaidi said that a randomized, double-blind, large clinical trial is needed. The problem is that because vitamin C can't be patented, drug companies, which usually finance this type of clinical trial, aren't interested."

Reference: October 2008 The Journal of Nutrition

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease where bone breaks down over time. The bones become thin, brittle and break easily.'Osteo' means bone, and 'porosis' thinning or becoming more porous, so osteoporosis literally means 'thinning of bone.' The bones most commonly affected by osteoporosis are those in the hip, wrist and back (the vertebrae), particularly those in the mid-back.  Hip fractures are also common in people with osteoporosis, and can lead to immobility and hospitalization.

• Diet. Bones need nourishment from calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous. A poor diet lacking foods that contain these vitamins and minerals contributes to bone loss.
• Life style factors such as smoking and alcohol use. Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine-containing products such as tea, coffee or some sodas can stop your body from absorbing calcium. Smoking also contributes to bone loss.
• Hormone changes. Osteoporosis can also be linked to changes in hormones. Hormones are substances produced by the body that help different organs run normally.  Estrogen is also a hormone that is important to maintaining bone strength. Once a woman enters menopause her estrogen levels fall. This affects how her bones process calcium and may lead to a more rapid loss of bone. For the first five or six years following menopause a woman can lose 3% to 5% of her bone density each year. In men, low levels of the hormone testosterone may have the same effect.
• Medication. Some medications, when taken in high doses, can influence how your body deals with calcium and so contribute to bone loss. These medications include cortisone/corticosteroids, anticoagulants, thyroid supplements, and some anti-convulsive drugs.
• Other illnesses. Other illnesses or diseases, such over-active thyroid, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may also cause bone loss.
• Lack of exercise. Because bone is a living tissue it needs exercise to stay strong. Normally through the activities of daily living such as walking, bending, stretching, and exercising, forces are imposed upon the bones. Bone responds to these forces by restructuring itself and becoming stronger. If you are not active your bones will become weaker over time because there is nothing for them to respond to.