Bones

Description

Bones are hard, extremely dense Connective Tissue that forms the skeleton of the body.

 At every stage of life, an individual's Bone mass and Bone strength status are a product of the balance between Bone Resorption (mediated by Osteoclasts) and new Bone formation (mediated by Osteoblasts).  If the two processes are in balance, Bone mass and strength are constant:

 Osteoporosis occurs as a result of Osteoclast dominance (i.e. Osteoclast-mediated Bone Resorption occurs to a greater extent than Osteoblast-mediated Bone formation).

 Bone Modeling is the process associated with body growth and Bone growth in children, teenagers and young adults.  During Bone Modeling, 100% of the Bone surface is active.  Bone Modeling adds length, width and height to Bones and increases the overall skeletal mass.

 Bone Remodeling is the process of Bone growth associated with maintaining a fixed adult bone mass.  In Bone Remodeling, only approximately 20% of the Bone surface is active.  Older Bone tissue is destroyed (this process is known as Bone Resorption) and replaced by new Bone tissue (Bone formation) in a cyclical process.

Amino Acids

 Aspartic Acid (in non-excessive quantities) may help to strengthen the Bones. 

 Leucine may promote the healing of the Bones. 

 Lysine may facilitate the growth of Bones. 

Carbohydrates

 Chondroitin Sulfate (CSA) concentrates in the Bones.

 Keratan Sulfate concentrates in the Bones.

 Lentinan may accelerate the regeneration and repair of Bones (after Bone damage). 

Enzymes

 Alkaline Phosphatase facilitates the delivery of Phosphorus to the Bones.

Hormones

 Calcitonin allows Calcium to bind to the Bones and comprises up to 20% of the non-Collagen Protein component of Bones.

 DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) (cream applied topically) may increase Bone mass (bone mineral density).  ^[1]

 Estrogens may retard Bone loss in females.

 Human Growth Hormone (hGH) builds Bone mass (via Osteoblasts) (especially in older people):  ^[2]

 HGH replacement therapy may increase the Calcium content of the Bones.  ^[3]

 Melatonin may facilitate the growth of Bones (it enhances the function of Osteoblasts and facilitates the mineralization of Bones).  ^[4]