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Athlete Scenario
I am an 18-year-old, female, long-distance runner. I read that female runners may have weak and fragile bones compared to other athletes. How can I keep my bones strong and healthy and help prevent injury?
Goals for Achieving Optimal Bone Health:
- Obtain adequate calcium and vitamin D to promote optimal bone density and prevent osteoporosis, a condition of weak and fragile bones. Consume calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, and leafy greens.
- Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption. Consume vitamin D-rich foods like eggs, fish (e.g. salmon, trout and sardines), mushrooms, and fortified foods (e.g. milk, margarine, orange juice and bread).
- Include dairy-free calcium and vitamin D-fortified beverage options (e.g. soy, almond, coconut and rice milk) in your diet.
Strategies for Achieving Optimal Bone Health:
Snack Ideas for Bone Health
- Fruit smoothie made with yogurt and calcium/vitamin D-fortified orange juice
- Greek yogurt and almonds
- Hard boiled eggs and string cheese
Meal Ideas for Bone Health
- Stir-fry with mushrooms, broccoli and sesame seeds
- Spinach and egg strata made with margarine and Parmesan cheese
- Salmon salad sandwich and a glass of milk
Ideas to Maximize Calcium Absorption
- Spread consumption of calcium-rich food throughout the day
- Consume vitamin D and calcium-rich foods together
- Besides getting vitamin D in foods, the body also produces it when exposed to sunlight. Only 5 – 30 minutes per day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. about twice weekly (before applying sunscreen) is necessary to get adequate amounts. High exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.
Tips to Take With You
- Include calcium-rich foods, such as low fat chocolate milk, in your post-exercise meal to maximize recovery and bone health.
- Include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet and spend short amounts of time out in the sun.
- Determine if you are meeting your calcium and vitamin D needs by meeting with a sport’s RD and/or utilizing the ChooseMyPlate SuperTracker at www.choosemyplate.gov/ to track your intake and receive feedback.
Related Topics
- Eating for Recovery
- Gaining Weight – Building Muscle
- Caffeine and Athlete Performance
- Vegetarian Eating for Athletes
- Snacks on-the-go for athletes
- Female Athlete Triad
Written by SCAN registered dietitians (RDs) to provide nutrition guidance. The key to optimal meal planning is individualization. Contact a SCAN RD for personalized nutrition plans. Access “Find a SCAN RD” at www.scandpg.org or by phone at 800.249.2875.
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