Attention to bone health is important for all ages, not just older adults. Researchers are finding a number of factors that can affect bone from conception forward. The dietary and lifestyle habits of a mother can affect the bone status of her unborn child. The years of childhood and adolescence, are when bones become longer and stronger. During middle and older age, the goal is to maintain the bone that has been acquired.
Through all these stages, nutrition is key. Vitamin D appears to play a large role beginning during pregnancy. Pregnant women need to cover their own needs as well as the needs of their child. With all the new research on this important vitamin, there is controversy as to exactly what that requirement should be, but many suggest at least a baseline intake of 1000 IU a day, some say as much as much as 2000 or more, especially for a mom of multiples. (more…)
