Bones are living tissues. They are constantly being broken down and rebuilt. This process depends on far more than just two nutrients.
“Blindly taking vitamin D and calcium supplements may not prevent fractures or make bones stronger,” said Dr Anup Khatri, Senior Consultant-Orthopedics at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
“So, good bone health will be based on factors like regular exercise, a balanced diet, sunlight exposure, and overall lifestyle. Supplements should be taken when there is a deficiency or on a doctor’s advice.”
Think of bone health like constructing a house. Calcium and vitamin D may be bricks and cement, but without workers, maintenance and a solid foundation, the structure cannot stand strong. Exercise, muscle strength, hormones, sleep, protein intake and healthy body weight all influence how bones age.
The body’s skeleton also responds to movement. Weight-bearing activities such as walking, climbing stairs and strength training stimulate bones to become stronger over time. A pill simply cannot replicate that biological response.