The human skeleton is made of bone, a living tissue. Bone undergoes a constant cycle called remodeling. During remodeling, the construction of new bone occurs even as old bone is broken down. Specialized cells called osteoclasts break down the bone for reabsorption by the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, the skeleton not only provides strength to the body but also acts as a storage facility for minerals. When other body tissues require it, bone is broken down to provide those minerals.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the minerals that strengthen bone. More than 99 percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, according to the National Institutes of Health. The body does not make calcium. It is absorbed from food sources such as milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts and broccoli. Fortified foods such as bread, orange juice and breakfast cereal are also sources of calcium. Calcium is a vital mineral for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart. The Centers for Disease Control cautions that if there is not enough calcium in the diet for these tissues, osteoclasts will break down bone to access the stored calcium, resulting in weaker bones.
Magnesium and Phosphorus
Magnesium and phosphorus are two important bone minerals. Bone contains 60 percent of the body's magnesium and 85 percent of the phosphorus. The National Institutes of Health says that magnesium might improve bone mineral density and aid in processing calcium while phosphorus plays a role in building bone. Deficiencies are rare in the U.S., where chocolate, potatoes, nuts, green leafy vegetables and grains provide magnesium, and dairy products, meat and many processed foods provide phosphorus.
Vitamin D
Without vitamin D, the body cannot absorb calcium or phosphorus from the diet. Lack of vitamin D can lead to rickets, a softening of the bones most often seen in malnourished children. Vitamin D is referred to as the sunshine vitamin because it is synthesized when the skin is exposed to bright sunlight. For most people, the National Institutes of Health says that 15 minutes of sun exposure, without sunscreen, several times a week will allow the body to produce enough vitamin D. Other sources of vitamin D include fortified foods, supplements, egg yolks, liver and cod liver oil.
Protein
To build the cartilage scaffolding of bone and to heal broken bones, the body uses protein. According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily allowance of protein is 56g for adult men and 46g for adult women. Rich sources of protein include fish, dairy products, beef, chicken, pork, nuts and legumes.
