By Pavan Kaushik
What is Osteoporosis : a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D. More than 10 million cases per year (India). Though any age is vulnerable to Osteoporosis, but people above 40 are more prone to it.
Importance of Calcium for Bone Health
We all have forever patronized Calcium for strong bone health in our bodies. With increased advertising for the nutrient, everyone focuses on Calcium and forgets about another essential element which helps in increasing bone density and boosting immunity.
The Role of Zinc in Bone Health
Zinc (long ignored by mainstream medicine for bone health, is in fact a crucial element for proper absorption of Calcium and Vitamin D to get into cells where it works to build bones. Although Calcium is the mineral most associated with bone formation, Zinc is also found in the bones.
Zinc’s Contribution to Bone Structure
Forming a small percentage of the bone, Zinc is needed to form Hydroxylapatite which is a naturally occurring crystalline Calcium complex. Hydroxylapatite crystals make up about half of the bones’ weight. Thus, Zinc is essential for proper mineralization of bones by contributing to its bone mass.
Importance of Trace Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium is not the only nutrient important for bone formation, many trace minerals such as Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Boron are also important. A deficiency in trace minerals predisposes osteoporosis. According to studies by National Centre for Biotechnology Information, Zinc helps in the prevention of osteoporosis.
The Vital Role of Zinc for Bone Maintenance
You may not think of Zinc as a vital nutrient for bones, yet without adequate Zinc, the bones cannot maintain themselves.
Hindustan Zinc is India’s only and world’s leading Zinc-Lead-Silver Producer.
Pavan Kaushik heads Corporate Communications at Hindustan Zinc
