Throughout our lives, our bodies continually break down old bone material and replace it with new bone. When we’re young, we make new bone faster than we break down old bone, so our bones are strong and dense. As we reach adulthood, the process of making new bone slows down and the rate of new bone production levels out to about the same as the rate of bone loss. As we age, we begin to lose bone faster than we can replace it. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and weak. 
 
Getting proper nutrition will help keep bones strong and healthy. The most significant nutrients for bone health are calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is the main building block of bone, and the body needs vitamin D in order to absorb calcium. Vitamin D is found in some foods, including fortified milk. The body also makes this vitamin when the skin is exposed to sunlight. 

Many Canadians don’t get enough vitamin D. If you think you might be one of them, ask your Sobeys Pharmacist if a vitamin supplement would be a healthy choice for you.