Bone Health

    Written by:
    Brady Holmer

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Rachel Hathcock, Graham Walker
    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Bone health refers to the strength of bones and the quality of bone structure. Bone health is usually measured as bone mineral density. Bone health is affected by nutrient intake, hormonal regulation, exercise, and age, among other factors.

    26 references on this page
    112,831 participants in 38 trials and 12 meta-analyses

    Overview

    Examine Database: Bone Health

    Vitamin K
    DHEA
    Red Clover Extract
    Magnesium
    Vitamin D
    Calcium
    Creatine
    Vegan Diet
    Vitamin C
    Black Cohosh
    Black seed
    Boron
    Cissus Quadrangularis
    Coleus forskohlii
    Conjugated Linoleic Acid
    Dietary Protein
    Glucosamine
    Horny Goat Weed
    L-Carnitine
    Milk Protein
    Potassium
    Pueraria Mirifica
    Soy Protein
    Whey Protein
    Yerba Mate

    Research FeedRead all studies

    Frequently asked questions

    Examine Database References

    1. Bone Mineral Density - Clifton-Bligh PB, Baber RJ, Fulcher GR, Nery ML, Moreton TThe effect of isoflavones extracted from red clover (Rimostil) on lipid and bone metabolismMenopause.(2001 Jul-Aug)
    2. Bone Mineral Density - Atkinson C, Compston JE, Day NE, Dowsett M, Bingham SAThe effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones on bone density in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr.(2004 Feb)
    3. Bone Mineral Density - Powles TJ, Howell A, Evans DG, McCloskey EV, Ashley S, Greenhalgh R, Affen J, Flook LA, Tidy ARed clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancerMenopause Int.(2008 Mar)
    4. Osteocalcin - Schult TM, Ensrud KE, Blackwell T, Ettinger B, Wallace R, Tice JAEffect of isoflavones on lipids and bone turnover markers in menopausal womenMaturitas.(2004 Jul 15)
    5. Bone Mineral Density - Agustina Malpeli, María Apezteguia, José L Mansur, Alicia Armanini, Melisa Macías Couret, Rosa Villalobos, Marta Kuzminczuk, Horacio F GonzalezCalcium supplementation, bone mineral density and bone mineral content. Predictors of bone mass changes in adolescent mothers during the 6-month postpartum periodArch Latinoam Nutr.(2012 Mar)
    6. Bone Mineral Density - Liu Y, Le S, Liu Y, Jiang H, Ruan B, Huang Y, Ao X, Shi X, Fu X, Wang SThe effect of calcium supplementation in people under 35 years old: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Elife.(2022-Sep-27)
    7. Bone Mineral Density - Marissa M Shams-White, Mei Chung, Zhuxuan Fu, Karl L Insogna, Micaela C Karlsen, Meryl S LeBoff, Sue A Shapses, Joachim Sackey, Jian Shi, Taylor C Wallace, Connie M WeaverAnimal Versus Plant Protein and Adult Bone Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis From the National Osteoporosis FoundationPLoS One.(2018 Feb 23)
    8. Bone Mineral Density - Tao Li, Yanhong Li, Shanshan WuComparison of human bone mineral densities in subjects on plant-based and omnivorous diets: a systematic review and meta-analysisArch Osteoporos.(2021 Jun 18)
    9. Bone Mineral Density - Isabel Iguacel, María L Miguel-Berges, Alejandro Gómez-Bruton, Luis A Moreno, Cristina JuliánVeganism, vegetarianism, bone mineral density, and fracture risk: a systematic review and meta-analysisNutr Rev.(2019 Jan 1)
    10. Bone Mineral Density - Zhang G, Qin L, Shi YEpimedium-derived phytoestrogen flavonoids exert beneficial effect on preventing bone loss in late postmenopausal women: a 24-month randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trialJ Bone Miner Res.(2007 Jul)
    11. Bone Mineral Density - Knapen MH, Drummen NE, Smit E, Vermeer C, Theuwissen EThree-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation helps decrease bone loss in healthy postmenopausal womenOsteoporos Int.(2013 Sep)
    12. Bone Mineral Density - Binkley N, Harke J, Krueger D, Engelke J, Vallarta-Ast N, Gemar D, Checovich M, Chappell R, Suttie JVitamin K treatment reduces undercarboxylated osteocalcin but does not alter bone turnover, density, or geometry in healthy postmenopausal North American womenJ Bone Miner Res.(2009 Jun)
    13. Bone Mineral Density - Iwamoto I, Kosha S, Noguchi S, Murakami M, Fujino T, Douchi T, Nagata YA longitudinal study of the effect of vitamin K2 on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women a comparative study with vitamin D3 and estrogen-progestin therapyMaturitas.(1999 Jan 4)
    14. Bone Mineral Density - Nishiguchi S, Shimoi S, Kurooka H, Tamori A, Habu D, Takeda T, Kubo SRandomized pilot trial of vitamin K2 for bone loss in patients with primary biliary cirrhosisJ Hepatol.(2001 Oct)
    15. Bone Mineral Density - Braam LA, Knapen MH, Geusens P, Brouns F, Vermeer CFactors affecting bone loss in female endurance athletes: a two-year follow-up studyAm J Sports Med.(2003 Nov-Dec)
    16. Bone Mineral Density - Booth SL, Dallal G, Shea MK, Gundberg C, Peterson JW, Dawson-Hughes BEffect of vitamin K supplementation on bone loss in elderly men and womenJ Clin Endocrinol Metab.(2008 Apr)
    17. Bone Mineral Density - Fang Y, Hu C, Tao X, Wan Y, Tao FEffect of vitamin K on bone mineral density: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsJ Bone Miner Metab.(2012 Jan)
    18. Bone Mineral Density - Knapen MH, Schurgers LJ, Vermeer CVitamin K2 supplementation improves hip bone geometry and bone strength indices in postmenopausal womenOsteoporos Int.(2007 Jul)
    19. Bone Mineral Density - Shea MK, Dallal GE, Dawson-Hughes B, Ordovas JM, O'Donnell CJ, Gundberg CM, Peterson JW, Booth SLVitamin K, circulating cytokines, and bone mineral density in older men and womenAm J Clin Nutr.(2008 Aug)
    20. Bone Mineral Density - Koitaya N, Sekiguchi M, Tousen Y, Nishide Y, Morita A, Yamauchi J, Gando Y, Miyachi M, Aoki M, Komatsu M, Watanabe F, Morishita K, Ishimi YLow-dose vitamin K2 (MK-4) supplementation for 12 months improves bone metabolism and prevents forearm bone loss in postmenopausal Japanese womenJ Bone Miner Metab.(2013 May 24)
    21. Bone Mineral Density - Ushiroyama T, Ikeda A, Ueki MEffect of continuous combined therapy with vitamin K(2) and vitamin D(3) on bone mineral density and coagulofibrinolysis function in postmenopausal womenMaturitas.(2002 Mar 25)
    22. Bone Mineral Density - Mott A, Bradley T, Wright K, Cockayne ES, Shearer MJ, Adamson J, Lanham-New SA, Torgerson DJEffect of vitamin K on bone mineral density and fractures in adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Osteoporos Int.(2019-Aug)
    23. Bone Mineral Density - Salma, Ahmad SS, Karim S, Ibrahim IM, Alkreathy HM, Alsieni M, Khan MAEffect of Vitamin K on Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Biomedicines.(2022 May 1)
    24. Bone Mineral Density - Chuin A, Labonté M, Tessier D, Khalil A, Bobeuf F, Doyon CY, Rieth N, Dionne IJEffect of antioxidants combined to resistance training on BMD in elderly women: a pilot studyOsteoporos Int.(2009 Jul)
    25. Bone Mineral Density - Ruiz-Ramos M, Vargas LA, Fortoul Van der Goes TI, Cervantes-Sandoval A, Mendoza-Nunez VMSupplementation of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol is useful to preventing bone loss linked to oxidative stress in elderlyJ Nutr Health Aging.(2010 Jun)
    26. Bone Mineral Density - Kahn AJ, Halloran B, Wolkowitz O, Brizendine LDehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab.(2002 Apr)
    27. Bone Mineral Density - Weiss EP, Shah K, Fontana L, Lambert CP, Holloszy JO, Villareal DTDehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr.(2009 May)
    28. Bone Mineral Density - von Mühlen D, Laughlin GA, Kritz-Silverstein D, Bergstrom J, Bettencourt REffect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trialOsteoporos Int.(2008 May)
    29. Bone Mineral Density - Lin H, Li L, Wang Q, Wang Y, Wang J, Long XA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of DHEA supplementation of bone mineral density in healthy adults.Gynecol Endocrinol.(2019-Nov)
    30. Bone Mineral Density - Michael Bebenek, Wolfgang Kemmler, Simon von Stengel, Klaus Engelke, Willi A KalenderEffect of exercise and Cimicifuga racemosa (CR BNO 1055) on bone mineral density, 10-year coronary heart disease risk, and menopausal complaints: the randomized controlled Training and Cimicifuga racemosa Erlangen (TRACE) studyMenopause.(2010 Jul)
    31. Bone Mineral Density - Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SRBody composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese menObes Res.(2005 Aug)
    32. Bone Mineral Density - Carpenter TO, DeLucia MC, Zhang JH, Bejnerowicz G, Tartamella L, Dziura J, Petersen KF, Befroy D, Cohen DA randomized controlled study of effects of dietary magnesium oxide supplementation on bone mineral content in healthy girlsJ Clin Endocrinol Metab.(2006 Dec)
    33. Osteocalcin - Aydin H, Deyneli O, Yavuz D, Gözü H, Mutlu N, Kaygusuz I, Akalin SShort-term oral magnesium supplementation suppresses bone turnover in postmenopausal osteoporotic womenBiol Trace Elem Res.(2010 Feb)
    34. Osteocalcin - Doyle L, Flynn A, Cashman KThe effect of magnesium supplementation on biochemical markers of bone metabolism or blood pressure in healthy young adult femalesEur J Clin Nutr.(1999 Apr)
    35. Bone Mineral Density - Zhu K, Meng X, Kerr DA, Devine A, Solah V, Binns CW, Prince RLThe effects of a two-year randomized, controlled trial of whey protein supplementation on bone structure, IGF-1, and urinary calcium excretion in older postmenopausal womenJ Bone Miner Res.(2011 Sep)
    36. Bone Mineral Density - Conforti AS, Gallo ME, Saraví FDYerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption is associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal womenBone.(2012 Jan)
    37. Bone Mineral Density - Chilibeck PD, Chrusch MJ, Chad KE, Shawn Davison K, Burke DGCreatine monohydrate and resistance training increase bone mineral content and density in older menJ Nutr Health Aging.(2005 Sep-Oct)
    38. Bone Mineral Density - Scott C Forbes, Philip D Chilibeck, Darren G CandowCreatine Supplementation During Resistance Training Does Not Lead to Greater Bone Mineral Density in Older Humans: A Brief Meta-AnalysisFront Nutr.(2018 Apr 24)
    39. Bone Mineral Density - H Lambert, L Frassetto, J B Moore, D Torgerson, R Gannon, P Burckhardt, S Lanham-NewThe effect of supplementation with alkaline potassium salts on bone metabolism: a meta-analysisOsteoporos Int.(2015 Jan 9)
    40. Bone Mineral Density - Wolf JVE, Schoene D, Kohl M, Kemmler W, Kiesswetter EEffects of combined protein and exercise interventions on bone health in middle-aged and older adults - A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Osteoporos Int.(2025 Feb 7)
    41. CTX-II - Yoshimura M, Sakamoto K, Tsuruta A, Yamamoto T, Ishida K, Yamaguchi H, Nagaoka IEvaluation of the effect of glucosamine administration on biomarkers for cartilage and bone metabolism in soccer playersInt J Mol Med.(2009 Oct)
    42. Fracture Healing - Vibha Singh, Narendra Singh, U S Pal, Satish Dhasmana, Shadab Mohammad, Nimisha SinghClinical evaluation of cissus quadrangularis and moringa oleifera and osteoseal as osteogenic agents in mandibular fractureNatl J Maxillofac Surg.(2011 Jul)
    43. Fracture Risk - Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Willett WC, Wong JB, Stuck AE, Staehelin HB, Orav EJ, Thoma A, Kiel DP, Henschkowski JPrevention of nonvertebral fractures with oral vitamin D and dose dependency: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsArch Intern Med.(2009 Mar 23)
    44. Calcium Absorption - Abrams SA, Hawthorne KM, Chen ZSupplementation with 1000 IU vitamin D/d leads to parathyroid hormone suppression, but not increased fractional calcium absorption, in 4-8-y-old children: a double-blind randomized controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr.(2013 Jan)
    45. Bone turnover markers - Wu M, Bhimavarapu A, Alvarez JA, Hunt WR, Tangpricha VChanges in bone turnover after high-dose vitamin D supplementation during acute pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis.Bone.(2023-Sep)
    46. Insulin - Racine NM, Watras AC, Carrel AL, Allen DB, McVean JJ, Clark RR, O'Brien AR, O'Shea M, Scott CE, Schoeller DAEffect of conjugated linoleic acid on body fat accretion in overweight or obese childrenAm J Clin Nutr.(2010 May)
    47. Serum Magnesium - Meacham SL, Taper LJ, Volpe SLEffect of boron supplementation on blood and urinary calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and urinary boron in athletic and sedentary womenAm J Clin Nutr.(1995 Feb)
    48. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms - Benvenga S, Ruggeri RM, Russo A, Lapa D, Campenni A, Trimarchi FUsefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialJ Clin Endocrinol Metab.(2001 Aug)
    49. Bone-specific Alkaline Phosphatase - Manonai J, Chittacharoen A, Udomsubpayakul U, Theppisai H, Theppisai UEffects and safety of Pueraria mirifica on lipid profiles and biochemical markers of bone turnover rates in healthy postmenopausal womenMenopause.(2008 May-Jun)
    50. Bone-specific Alkaline Phosphatase - Kheiridoost-Langaroodi H, Shakouri SK, Amirpour M, Iranshahi AM, Farshbaf-Khalili AThe Effect of Selected Herbal Medicines on Bone Turnover Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.J Family Reprod Health.(2022-Mar)
    Bone Health: Symptoms, causes, treatments, and your questions answered.