Introduction:

It’s a well-known fact that many older adults suffer from bone loss or osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that over 54 million Americans suffer from, or are at risk of, osteoporosis. This can be caused either by excessive bone loss or insufficient production of bones mass

Having weak bones can reduce mobility and increase the risk of bone breakage. When bone loss becomes too severe, bones might even break just from bumping into something or straining, like when you sneeze (called as sneeze or cough fractures).

How does vitamin C improve bone strength

What many people don’t realize is that osteoporosis is scurvy of the bones, which is a symptom of vitamin C deficiency. This means that increasing your intake of this nutrient can promote the growth of new, healthy bone…

A study from Mount Sinai Medical Centre  was able to demonstrate the protective effects of vitamin C against osteoporosis in an animal model. It was seen that the mice that were supplemented with vitamin C avoided bone loss. In another study, the researchers found that vitamin C deficiency caused failure of collagen synthesis. This resulted in symptoms of scurvy, such as spontaneous bone fractures.

More reasons to increase vitamin C intake

Increasing your intake of vitamin C can give you many other health benefits.

• Lowers blood pressure — Taking vitamin C supplements has been shown to improve blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels.

• Improved immunity — Vitamin C is most commonly used for its ability to boost immunity… It also has potent antioxidant properties that protect the immune cells from highly reactive molecules.
• Lower risk of dementia — the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of vitamin C are beneficial against dementia. It has also been associated with improved cognitive functions.

Conclusion:

It is thus seen that osteoporosis can be ameliorated by Vitamin C, in addition to Calcium and Vitamin D supplements.