Will the Elderly Benefit from a Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program? The Case of Vitamin C and Bone Health

Ray Marks

Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, USA

Dr. Ray Marks, Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, USA.

Keywords: Ascorbic acid; Bone; Bone Fracture; Fracture Healing; Fruits; Osteoporosis; Prevention; Vegetables; Vitamin C

Abstract

Fractures and their causative and repair mechanisms have been topics subject to various forms of investigation for several decades. In both instances, and as populations age, preventing and treating bone fractures and a possible role for vitamin C in both these processes has received increasing attention in the recent literature, but with little mainstream practice application. This mini review examines whether vitamin C is of potential relevance in preventing osteoporosis and future fractures as well as in fostering fracture healing. A narrative review of the related literature housed in key data bases over the last five years and others is provided to support further investigation of this topic, and the recommendation for ensuring aging adults have sufficient access to fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C. Findings support both issues.

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