Broken bones can occur due to trauma, such as a fall or sudden impact; because of brittle bones from osteoporosis; or as a result of stress or overuse. Fractures can include a full or partial break along any area of the bone, and your broken bone might also protrude through your skin. Healing from a fracture involves rest and immobilization of the damaged bone. In addition, proper nutrition is essential to support your immune function during this time and to supply your body with nutrients to repair injured tissue. Protein, and the amino acids it contains, is vital to the recovery process.
Bone Background
Your skeletal system operates in a state of flux, with bone continually being resorbed by your body as new bone tissue is created. This process contributes to the strength and integrity of your skeletal system throughout your life. Osteoclasts are cells that dissolve bone, while osteoblasts synthesize new bone. Following a fracture, the activity of your osteoblasts outpaces that of osteoclasts in support of building new bone tissue to heal the break. In addition to these cells, your bone also contains marrow, tissue that produces both red and white blood cells. As with all the cells in your body, the cells of your skeletal system are rich in protein.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are small biological molecules that, when linked together in a long chain and folded into a globular structure, form a protein. Proteins serve both structural and physiological functions in your body. They form muscle tissue and organs, and they manufacture enzymes and hormones. In addition, your immune system consists of protein-rich white blood cells and other proteins, such as antibodies and anti-inflammatory molecules. Of the 20 amino acids found in food proteins, nine are essential to your diet because your body cannot produce them. When recovering from a broken bone, your intake of essential amino acids becomes especially important.
Fracture Repair
A broken bone activates your immune system and recruits white blood cells and other immune molecules to the site of injury. These cells help isolate the wound and begin the process of healing. They also help ward off infection if the fracture pierces your skin. Bone cells begin to form on the edges of the break site and gradually fill in to fully repair the broken bone over a period of weeks. All these activities are protein-dependent and rely on the amino acids you provide to your body through your dietary protein.
Considerations
Consuming animal sources of protein supplies you with the essential amino acids required to heal a broken bone and other tissues damaged as a result of the break. Milk products, such a liquid milk, yogurt and cheese, are a particularly good choice during this time. These foods deliver not only high-quality protein but also the calcium and phosphorus your bone cells need to repair and grow strong once again.
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