The Benefits of Taking Vitamin D and Calcium for Bone Health

Calcium is an essential nutrient for building bones and helps to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin D is a prohormone that has a crucial role in bone health by helping the body absorb calcium. Calcium can only be fully effective in bone-building if the body has enough vitamin D.* Together these two nutrients work together to maintain bone strength. Let’s explore more reasons why calcium and vitamin D are beneficial for bone health. 

The human body holds 99.5% of all calcium in its bones. Your body needs calcium to keep bones strong and healthy.* Calcium has also been linked to proper function of the heart, muscles, and nerves.* Some good sources of calcium can come from food such as:

• Spinach
• Trout
• Tofu
• Clams
• Okra
• Nuts
• Black-Eyed Peas

Vitamin D supports strong bones by helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, two key minerals for bone health. It also helps your muscle movement and nerve control. Vitamin D can be obtained through direct sunlight. However, many people don’t get enough vitamin D for it to be truly beneficial.* Other good sources of vitamin D can be found in foods like:

• Egg yolks
• Fatty fish (salmon, trout, etc)
• Mushrooms
• Fortified orange juice
• Some cereals

Calcium and vitamin D work in unison to strengthen and maintain healthy bones. Calcium builds bones while vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium more effectively. So, even if you’re getting the required amount of calcium, it may not be utilized at its highest level without also having the recommended amount of vitamin D.*

Consistent exercise, particularly strength training with weights, is another way to build and maintain healthy bones.* Exercising on a regular basis makes bones stronger as they adapt to the stimulus response by becoming denser. However, the opposite also holds true with inactivity leading to the loss of bone. Pairing exercise with proper supplementation improves bone strength.* 

The daily recommended dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D can vary depending on age, sex, and hormone status.* Many Americans don’t get enough calcium from their diets. Studies have shown that most American women aren’t getting the recommended amount of calcium.* Children and adults over the age of 50 are also at risk of calcium deficiency. The amount of vitamin D needed will depend on age as women who are pregnant and anyone over the age of 70 will require more of the nutrient. 

Food sources supply both calcium and vitamin D. However, many people still do not get the recommended levels of these nutrients from food alone.* One of the most convenient ways to ensure you’re getting the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D is through supplementation. Over-the-counter forms of calcium, along with vitamin D, can help to keep bones healthy.*

Nature's Lab Gold Vital Bones provides a non-dairy source of calcium to support strong bones and an active lifestyle.* Just one 3-capsule serving provides 600 mg of Aquamin™ marine algae calcium, a good alternative to dairy sources of calcium.* This formula also features a bioavailable plant-based magnesium which complements the absorption of calcium.* Vital Bones includes Bamboo Extract for silica, an important mineral for bone structure, as well as L-OptiZincⓇ, Boron, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 to support balanced calcium levels and healthy bones.*