Br J Nutr. 2003 Jun; 89(6): 835-40.

UK Food Standards Agency Optimal Nutrition Status Workshop: environmental factors that affect bone health throughout life.

Burns L, Ashwell M, Berry J, Bolton-Smith C, Cassidy A, Dunnigan M, Khaw KT, Macdonald H, New S, Prentice A, Powell J, Reeve J, Robins S, Teucher B.

Food Standards Agency, Aviation House 125 Kingsway, London WC2 6NH, UK. lynn.burns@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) convened a group of expert scientists to discuss and review UK FSA- and Department of Health-funded research on diet and bone health. This research focused on the lifestyle factors that are amenable to change and may significantly affect bone health and the risk of osteoporotic fracture. The potential benefits of fruits and vegetables, meat, Ca, vitamins D and K and phyto-oestrogens were presented and discussed. Other lifestyle factors were also discussed, particularly the effect of physical activity and possible gene-nutrient interactions affecting bone health.