Osteoporosis is associated with a lack of which nutrients?

• A. Lack of fluoride
• B. Lack of calcium or vitamin D
• C. Lack of iron
• D. Lack of protein

Answer: (B)

Bone health hinges on minerals and vitamins that build and maintain the bone mineral in the matrix. Calcium is the main mineral in bone, forming the hard mineral deposits, while vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium from the gut and for proper bone remodeling. When there isn’t enough calcium or insufficient vitamin D, bone mineralization suffers and bone density decreases, raising the risk of fractures—this is osteoporosis. The other nutrients listed don’t have the same direct, primary link to bone mineral density: fluoride isn’t a required nutrient for preventing osteoporosis at normal intake levels, iron affects blood rather than bone mineral density, and while protein supports bone structure, the classic deficiency most linked to osteoporosis is calcium with vitamin D due to their roles in mineralization and absorption.