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Bone Health and Nutrition

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Bone Health and Nutrition

At the surf lifesaving club, Rawiri and Manaia are planning a training and snack session for the team. Use the information and activities below to explain how bones work and how nutrition and lifestyle support bone health. For written responses, give reasons where asked.

1.Match each long-bone part to its description: compact bone, spongy bone, bone marrow, periosteum, or joint surface. Descriptions: (A) hard, dense tissue forming the strong outer wall; (B) lightweight, porous tissue inside the bone; (C) soft tissue inside some bones that produces blood cells or stores fat; (D) protective outer membrane with blood vessels and nerves; (E) smooth, cartilage-covered end where the bone meets another bone. Then state one function of any two parts.

2.Match each bone structure to its main description.

Compact bone
Spongy bone
Red bone marrow
Periosteum

Membrane covering the outer bone surface
Produces blood cells
Dense outer tissue that helps resist forces
Porous internal tissue that reduces bone weight

Nutrition and bone remodelling

Bones are living tissue. They are continually remodelled: old tissue is broken down and new tissue is formed. Calcium and phosphate help mineralise bone; vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Protein, energy and other nutrients also support growth and tissue maintenance.

3.Why is vitamin D important for bone health?

It helps the body absorb calcium from food.
It replaces the need for calcium in the diet.
It turns bone marrow into compact bone.
It prevents all bone injuries during sport.

4.For the club’s post-training snack, identify two options that can contribute calcium and one that can contribute vitamin D. Options: plain yoghurt, canned sardines with edible bones, orange, and fortified milk. Foods may provide more than one useful nutrient.

5.Rawiri says, “Because bones feel solid, they are not living tissue and cannot change after childhood.” Decide whether this statement is true or false, then correct it.

TrueFalse

6.Manaia’s training group wants a meal or snack that supports bone health. Suggest a realistic combination of foods containing calcium, protein and a source of vitamin D. Explain how the choices help. Consider fortified foods or oily fish as possible vitamin D sources.

7.Consider these activities: jogging, jumping, swimming and cycling. Choose two that are weight-bearing and one that is non-weight-bearing. Briefly explain the difference.

8.Finn trains by swimming for an hour most days, but does no other activity and often skips meals. Suggest one practical change to his routine that could better support bone development. Explain why it could help.

9.A club member says, “More time in strong midday sun is always the best way to get vitamin D.” Explain why this is not a safe or complete recommendation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

10.Explain two habits a teenager can build now that may support bone health across life. Include at least one nutrition habit and one activity or lifestyle habit.