When you have a broken bone, your body needs adequate nutrition to heal the trauma that it has endured. Eating a balanced, healthy diet is usually sufficient to provide all of the nutrients you need for your bone to heal on its own. However, if you are severely malnourished or suffered major trauma, your doctor might decide to prescribe supplemental vitamins to assist the healing process. If not, focus on increasing your dietary intake of these nutrients to get your body the vitamins it needs to heal.
Protein and Calories
Protein is necessary for your body to heal a bone fracture, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, but you do not need to eat a larger amount of protein than normal to help your bone heal. The recommended amount of protein per day is 0.8 grams per kilogram per day, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. To get your weight in kilograms, divide your number by 2.2. This will be adequate enough for your fracture. Also, make sure you eat enough calories for your weight. A moderately active female between 31 and 50 years old needs 2,000 calories, and a similar male needs between 2,400 and 2,600 calories, according to "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010." More calories are not necessary unless you are severely malnourished or have suffered a major trauma.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are two nutrients that work together to build strong bones. You do not need to take supplements of these vitamins, but it is important that they are present in your diet. Calcium is found in milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables and dried beans. Vitamin D is absorbed through the skin from sunlight, but it is also found in fortified milk. If you are unable to get enough of these nutrients via your diet, your doctor might prescribe a supplement for you. For adults 19 to 50 years old, 1,000 milligrams of calcium is the recommended daily dosage, and 1,000 international units per day of vitamin D is recommended.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays a role in calcium's function in the body and is important in the formation of bone, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. For this reason, it is an important component to include in your diet when recovering from a bone fracture. Some foods that contain high levels of this nutrient are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, collard green and dark green lettuce. However, if you are on a blood thinner, such as warfarin, do not eat foods high in vitamin K, because it will counteract the medication and make your blood at risk for clotting.
Vitamin A and Vitamin C
Vitamin A is another vitamin that helps bones rebuild after a fracture, according to "Nutrition Almanac." Vitamin A is most commonly found in carrots, but it is also fortified in milk products because it helps promote strong bones. Vitamin C assists in bone healing after a fracture and in the development of bone in general. You can find this nutrient in citrus fruits such as oranges and in vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.
References
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; Nonunion; September 2007
- Harvard School of Public Health: Protein
- Harvard School of Public Health: Calcium and Milk: What's Best for Your Bones and Health?
- "Nutrition Almanac"; John D. Kirschmann; 2006
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010; 2010
