Men's Osteoporosis Support Group

Zinc and bone health

Mol Cell Biochem. 2009 Dec 25. [Epub ahead of print]. Role of nutritional zinc in the prevention of osteoporosis. Yamaguchi M. PMID: 20035439. This article points out several aspects of zinc's effects on promoting bone health and describes the importance of preventing zinc dietary deficiency since this is a known factor in bone growth retardation. Of particular importance to those of us with osteoporosis is that, "Zinc has been demonstrated to have a stimulatory effect on osteoblastic bone formation and mineralization . . ." Additionally, "Moreover, zinc has been shown to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption due to inhibiting osteoclast-like cell formation from bone marrow cells and stimulating apoptotic cell death of mature osteoclasts." So zinc can promote both bone formation and prevent its resorption. The author notes that, "Zinc compounds may be designed as new supplementation factor in the prevention and therapy of osteoporosis." This might be due to further research and development regarding two forms of zinc, AHZ and zinc acexamate.

Editor's comments. Most of the emphasis regarding mineral or vitamin supplements and bone health involves calcium and vitamin D. But Yamaguchi points out that other minerals are also important, including zinc. So it behooves those of us with osteoporosis to maintain adequate zinc intake via either diet or supplements. And, using the free dietary intake analysis software, CRONoMeter (COM), it is fairly easy to determine if your dietary zinc intake is adequate. Simply input your dietary intake for the day into COM, go to the Minerals tab, and see how you did. If you find that you are chronically low in zinc, you might want to eat more zinc-containing foods or add a supplement. This site shows food sources with zinc, demonstrating that vegetarians have to work harder to get adequate zinc intake, and thus might want to closely monitor their daily zinc intake and/or use dietary supplements. Please consult your care provider with any questions on this issue.

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