Question

Proportion of which of the following should be increased in diet to improve strength and growth of bones?
A. Vitamin-D, Calcium and vitamin-K
B. Vitamin-D, Calcium and iodine
C. Vitamin -D, Calcium and Vitamin-A
D. Vitamin-D, Calcium and Zinc.

Answer 1

Hint:-Bone is a rigid organ constituting a vertebrate skeleton part in animals. Bone strength can be defined as the resistance of bones towards fracture and it is related to bone mineral density (BMD). To answer this question, let us first understand the role of vitamins and minerals on bone formation and strength and based on that, we will find the correct answer.

Complete answer:
Step 1: let us first know a little more about bone-
Bones can exist in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have complex external and internal structure and despite being lightweight, they are hard and strong. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue and is hard. Mainly, bone tissue are mineralised tissues of two types- cancellous bone and cortical bone. Blood vessels, cartilage, nerves, endosteum, periosteum and bone marrow are the other tissues found in bones. Osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes and bone lining cells are the cell types found in bone. Bone performs many functions in the body such as locomotion, storage of phosphate and calcium, soft tissues support and protection, etc.
Step 2: let us now understand the role of some minerals and vitamins in the formation of bone and bone strength-
Calcium in the body performs many functions. The most prominent among them is the formation and strengthening of bones and teeth. When the bone is first formed, it is unhardened and protein- rich osteoid tissue. During the osteoblast- directed bone mineralisation process, calcium salts are deposited on the protein matrix and gradually crystallize into hydroxyapatite, making up 65 percent of bone tissue. Calcium increases BMD of bone which in turn increases bone strength. The active form of vitamin A called calcitriol is needed for making calcium- binding proteins. Vitamin A is a fat- soluble vitamin and is important for healthy and strong bones as it influences both osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
Step 3: Thus from the above explanation, it is clear that the correct option is optin (C)- Vitamin D, Calcium and vitamin-A.

Note:- Deficiency of calcium leads to diminished bone density, increased fracture risk and early bone loss. A prolonged lack of calcium results in the development of osteoporosis.
 Most clinical research suggests that higher vitamin- A levels, despite its good effects, lead to lower bone density and increased risk of fractures.