Bone health is about more than calcium. Discover 7 overlooked factors that influence osteoporosis, in this quick guide from IMA Senior Fellow Dr. Kristina Carman.
When most people think about bone health, they think calcium. Maybe vitamin D. But for millions of people—especially women over 50—this narrow view leaves out critical factors that drive bone loss and increase fracture risk. Osteoporosis isn’t just a calcium deficiency; it’s a complex condition influenced by hormone shifts, gut health, inflammation, lifestyle, and more.
To help patients and clinicians cut through the confusion, IMA Senior Fellow and clinical nutritionist Dr. Kristina Carman created this quick guide. It’s a practical breakdown of the seven essential areas that influence bone health. From digestion to stress regulation, each category highlights a piece of the puzzle that’s often overlooked in conventional care.
With more than 500 million people affected globally, osteoporosis is a growing health challenge—and it deserves a broader toolkit. That’s why IMA researchers are also working to identify safe, accessible ways to support bone strength. In a recent study, they revealed Nature’s Overlooked Osteoporosis Solution, underutilized nutrients and herbal therapies that could complement these foundational strategies.
1. Root Cause
- Not just calcium deficiency
- Inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone imbalance, and gut health all play a role
- Consider secondary causes like thyroid, adrenal, or GI malabsorption
2. Nutrition Foundations
- Protein intake is essential for the bone matrix
- Balance of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin K2 is key
- Anti-inflammatory diet: reduce processed foods, emphasize plants and healthy fats
3. Gut & Absorption
- Leaky gut or malabsorption reduces nutrient uptake
- Celiac, gluten sensitivity, and microbiome imbalances raise bone risk
- Support digestive health with enzymes, probiotics, and fiber diversity
4. Hormonal Health
- Estrogen and testosterone protect bone
- Cortisol excess accelerates bone breakdown
- Thyroid dysfunction (especially hyperthyroid or overtreated hypothyroid) impacts bone
5. Lifestyle & Movement
- Weight-bearing and resistance training are the strongest stimulus for bone density
- Balance and coordination exercises reduce fall risk
- Over-exercising and chronic stress can worsen bone loss
6. Key Nutrients & Cofactors
- Calcium works best with cofactors: magnesium, K2, and D3
- Zinc, boron, silica, and vitamin C strengthen collagen and bone
- Avoid “isolated calcium only” approaches
7. Environmental & Mind-Body
- Reduce toxins: smoking, alcohol, excess caffeine, endocrine disruptors
- Stress management: cortisol regulation matters for bone
- Sleep quality supports bone turnover through circadian rhythm
✅ Takeaway: Strong bones aren’t built on calcium alone. From gut health and hormones to movement and mindset, osteoporosis prevention calls for a whole-body approach. This guide is a starting point for a clearer, more complete foundation for anyone navigating bone health concerns.
📚 What’s next: We’re continuing to explore new ways to support patients, practitioners, and families navigating this easily-overlooked condition. Stay connected with IMAhealth.org for future insights, tools, and conversations.
