Thank you!

2) Dairy, cheese, yogurt, calcium-fortified orange juice, winter squash, edamame, tofu, canned sardines, salmon (with bones), almonds, and leafy greens.

3) Optimal vitamin D levels are necessary to increase the efficiency of calcium absorption. Without adequate vitamin D, the body absorbs no more than 10-15% of dietary calcium.

4) Calcium can be found in many multivitamin/mineral supplements. The two main forms of calcium in dietary supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. The RDA of calcium for adults 19-50 is 1,000 mg. Adult men 51-70 y/o is 1,000 mg and for men 71 and older is 1,200. For women 19-50 is 1,000 mg and 51 and older 1,200 mg.

Question 4:

bone remodeling is the process in which bone tissue is broken down and rebuilt in the same spot. osteoclasts break down existing bone while osteoblasts lay down new osteoids (unmineralized bone tissue)

Question 5 (part a)

Calcium promotes healthy bone/teeth formation, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, clotting factors, releasing insulin, etc… Vitamin D decreases risk of immune disorders, respiratory infections, and certain cancers. It also promotes healthy bone tissue, increases insulin, and helps block viral or bacterial infections.

Part B:

Spend time outside/in the sun

6.      

• Magnesium is vital for muscle function, energy production, bone health, and regulating blood pressure.

• Phosphorus is essential for bone and teeth health, energy metabolism, cellular structure, and DNA/RNA formation.

• Fluoride contributes to dental health by strengthening tooth enamel, preventing cavities, and aiding bone health to a lesser extent.

• Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting, bone health, potential cardiovascular benefits, and emerging roles in brain health and cognition.

1. In a busy schedule, prioritize nutrient-dense foods like leafy  greens, nuts, whole grains, and lean proteins. Keep healthy snacks on hand, such as yogurt with fruit or nuts, to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Consider meal prepping to ensure balanced meals even during hectic times.

7.    Parathyroid Hormone (PTH):

• When blood calcium levels drop, specialized cells in the parathyroid glands release parathyroid hormone (PTH) into the bloodstream.

• PTH stimulates the release of calcium from the bones by activating osteoclasts, cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue and releasing calcium into the bloodstream.

• PTH also enhances the reabsorption of calcium from the kidneys, reducing calcium loss in urine.

• Additionally, PTH stimulates the production of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption from the intestines into the bloodstream.

Calcitonin:

• Calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland in response to high blood calcium levels.

• Its primary role is to inhibit the breakdown of bone tissue by osteoclasts, thus reducing the release of calcium from the bones into the bloodstream.

• Calcitonin also enhances the excretion of calcium through the kidneys, promoting its removal from the body via urine.

• While calcitonin plays a role in calcium regulation, its overall influence is generally considered to be less significant than that of PTH.

Together, PTH and calcitonin work in a feedback loop to regulate blood calcium levels. When calcium levels are too low, PTH is released to increase calcium levels by mobilizing calcium from bones, enhancing kidney reabsorption, and stimulating vitamin D activation. Conversely, when calcium levels are too high, calcitonin is released to inhibit bone breakdown and increase calcium excretion. This dynamic regulation helps maintain the appropriate balance of calcium in the bloodstream, crucial for various physiological functions, including muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and bone health.

8.

In osteoporosis, the bone matrix undergoes significant changes, characterized by a decrease in bone density and integrity. This weakening of the bone matrix makes bones more susceptible to fractures, particularly in areas like the spine, hips, and wrists. Osteoporosis disrupts the normal bone remodeling cycle, leading to an imbalance between bone resorption and formation. As a result, bone resorption outpaces bone formation, causing a net loss of bone tissue over time. This deterioration of the bone matrix comprises the structural strength of bones, increasing the risk of fractures and impairing overall skeletal health.

10.) Modifiable- low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, lack of physical activity.

Non-modifiable- age, gender, family history, ethnicity, frame size.

11.) women are more likely to get osteoporosis, older people have an increased risk, white and Asian greater risk.

12.) Back pain, caused by a broken or collapsed bone in the spine, loss of height over time.

2. Besides postmenopausal women, individuals at higher risk for osteoporosis include those with a family history of the condition, smokers like Eleanor, individuals with low body weight or small frame, and those with certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or hyperthyroidism. Lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity can also increase risk.

3. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves taking medications containing female hormones, usually estrogen with or without progesterone, to replace hormones that the body no longer produces inadequate amounts.