Which mineral is crucial for bone health?

Calcium is essential for bone health because it is the primary mineral found in bones and teeth. It provides structural support, ensuring that bones remain strong and dense, which helps prevent fractures and osteoporosis. The body requires a continuous supply of calcium to maintain bone mass throughout life, as bones are constantly being remodeled. Adequate calcium intake is particularly important during childhood and adolescence when bone growth is most significant but remains vital at all stages, including adulthood and old age, to maintain overall skeletal health.

While iron, zinc, and magnesium are also important for various bodily functions, their roles differ from that of calcium. Iron is primarily involved in oxygen transport in the blood, zinc supports immune function and wound healing, and magnesium aids in muscle function and energy production. However, none of these minerals serve the primary structural role in bones that calcium does. Therefore, calcium is uniquely positioned as the crucial mineral for maintaining healthy bones.