Fact 11. The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Paget’s Disease Management
Diet and nutrition play an important role in bone health, and this is especially true in conditions like Paget’s disease. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can help manage the disease and promote overall health.
Calcium and vitamin D are critical for maintaining bone health. Calcium is a crucial building block for our bones, while vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium from the diet.
Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients can help maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures. Foods rich in calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods, while vitamin D can be obtained from fatty fish, egg yolks, and sunlight exposure.
Protein is another essential nutrient for bone health. It makes up about 50% of the volume of bone and about one-third of its mass. Protein intake promotes the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that stimulates bone growth and formation. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, dairy products, and plant-based sources such as beans and lentils. (11)
