Nutrition in Relation to Bone Health and Falls - Level 7 (LBR)
When can you start this module? |
Learning Beyond Registration
Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) is a vital part of developing competent, capable health service practitioners prepared to deliver a dynamic, flexible, quality, client-focused service. If you're employed by the NHS in the East Midlands then you may be eligible for fee-free access to our LBR modules and/or programmes. You'll need to supply evidence of approval from your line manager and Trust Education Lead when you apply.
About this module
This module is aimed at increasing your understanding of the role of nutrition in promoting bone health. You will need to have completed the Theoretical Considerations in the Diagnosis & Management of Osteoporosis module prior to studying this module.
Diet plays an essential role in the development and maintenance of bone health throughout the lifecycle. The importance of calcium (Ca) to bone remains controversial. There is evidence that Ca is effective in reducing late postmenopausal bone loss but more research is required on the long-term benefit of increased Ca intake on peak bone mass attainment and fracture prevention. Vitamin D 'insufficiency' appears to be widespread amongst population groups and is an area of considerable public health concern.
Data suggest that Ca and vitamin D in combination are effective strategies for fracture prevention. The role of other micronutrients (including vitamin K, vitamin A, zinc and copper) on bone metabolism remains to be fully quantified but data from a combination of experimental, clinical and observational studies suggest a positive link between alkaline-forming foods (fruit and vegetables) and indices of bone health.
The influence of nutrient:gene interactions on the skeleton requires further elucidation, but it may be useful in the future to target nutrition advice at those individuals who are genetically susceptible to osteoporosis. The aim of this module is to provide an in-depth insight into the current scientific evidence underpinning the present nutritional advice for optimising bone health.
You will study the assessment of nutritional status and aspects of nutrition, body composition, medication and nutritional strategies on bone health. This will include:
- Assessment of dietary intake and nutritional status in individuals and population groups.
- Nutritional aspects of bone growth and Calcium and vitamin D in reducing postmenopausal bone health and preventing osteoporotic fracture. Acid:base homeostasis and bone health and the effects of micronutrients and food components on bone.
- Effect of body composition on bone health.
- Nutrition and bone health in the clinical setting - to include interaction between nutrition and medication for osteoporosis, cost-effectiveness of nutritional supplements for osteoporosis prevention, nutritional strategies for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis at the individual and population level.
- Current 'hot topics' in nutrition and bone health.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the role nutrition has on bone health
- Consider how patients may be effectively assessed for nutritional status
- Reflect on the role of various minerals and vitamins on the anatomy and physiology of bone
- Critically review how nutrition and a healthy diet impacts on the maintenance of bone health.
Which profession is this module aimed at?
All Health ProfessionalsAbout this module
- Module level: 7
- Module credits: 20
