Bone health
Key vitamins for bone health — vitamin C
by Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD
Vitamin C is involved in a great variety of complex and interrelated metabolic processes.
Here are three ways in which it is essential for healthy bones.
- Vitamin C assists in the formation of collagen. As described in our article on the
nature of healthy bones, bone mineral is laid down over a protein matrix called
collagen. Collagen is abundant in the connective tissue of cartilage and
bone — in fact, it makes up about 30% of our bones, serving as a support structure
for mineral deposits and giving bone its resilience.
- In addition to its role in collagen formation, vitamin C appears to stimulate the
cells that build bone, enhance calcium absorption, and enhance vitamin D’s
effect on bone metabolism.
- A third role for vitamin C and bones is in the synthesis and optimal functioning
of adrenal steroid hormones, which play a vital role in bone health — especially
during perimenopause and menopause, when ovarian production of these hormones slows.
Even though the RDA’s for vitamin
C are a very minimal 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women, great numbers of Americans
do not even consume this amount! Many well-qualified scientists, including the late
Nobel laureate, Linus Pauling, believe recommended levels are extremely low, and
that our health would be greatly served on many levels by a much higher intake per
day. At the Better Bones Center, patients are encouraged to strive for an intake
of 2000–3000 mg per day to recover and preserve bone health, and more as individual
need is determined.
Click here to return to 20 key bone health nutrients.
Our Personal Program for Better Bones is a great place to start
The Personal Program for Better Bones promotes natural bone strength and regeneration
with nutritional supplements, our exclusive bone builder formula, dietary and lifestyle
guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse-Educators. It is based
on over 25 years of research and experience and has helped thousands of women reclaim
their bone health.
- To learn more about the Personal Program for Better Bones, go to
How it works.
- To choose the version of the Program that’s right for you, go to
Compare plans.
- To assess your bone health and fracture risk, take our free
Bone Health Profile.
- To start taking control of your bone health today, sign-up for a
risk-free trial.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-798-7902.
We’re here to listen and to help.
Related to this article:
References & further reading on the
20 key bone-building nutrients
Last Modified:
04/18/2011
Principal Author: Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD