Brittle bone disease, also called osteogenesis imperfecta, is an inherited disease that makes bone very susceptible to breakage. Defective production of collagen, a component of connective tissue, is the underlying cause of this condition. Cedars-Sinai reports that 20,000 to 50,000 people in the United States have brittle bone disease. Although a healthy diet cannot cure brittle bone disease, getting adequate nutrition can help support bone health.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can put extra pressure on the bones of people with brittle bone disease, making them even more susceptible to fracture. Thus, people with this condition should maintain a healthy weight. In addition to getting enough exercise, eating a nutritious diet of lean meats and fish, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables can promote a healthy weight. Avoid empty calories like soda, cakes, cookies and candy.
Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral that promotes strong bones. Although all people need calcium to maintain bone health, those with brittle bone disease especially need an adequate amount of calcium to make their bones as strong as possible. The bones of those with brittle bone disease are susceptible to breakage during childhood; some bones are even broken before birth. For this reason, it is important that infants and children, as well as adults, all have adequate daily intake of calcium. Good sources of calcium include dairy products like cheese, yogurt and milk; vegetables like kale and broccoli; and some fortified breakfast cereals and fruit juices.
Vitamin D
People require adequate amounts of vitamin D so that bones absorb optimal amounts of calcium. People with brittle bone disease should make sure they are getting a healthy daily dose of this vitamin, which works with calcium to make strong bones. One source of vitamin D is the sun: The body is able to make vitamin D when ultraviolet light from the sun hits the skin. Vitamin D is also available as a supplemental pill or from fortified foods like certain breakfast cereals.
Recommendations
Although people with brittle bone disease do not need more calcium and vitamin D than other people, a deficiency can make bones even weaker. Depending on age, people require different levels of calcium and vitamin D, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. In general, people require between 200 mg and 1,200 mg of calcium per day. The daily intake of vitamin D varies between 10 and 20 mcg per day.
