From the Guidelines
A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is crucial for healing physeal fractures, with a recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements, as suggested by the 2024 standards of care in diabetes 1. To optimize healing of physeal fractures, it is essential to focus on a diet that provides the necessary building blocks for bone growth and repair.
- Key nutrients include:
- Calcium: 1,000-1,300 mg daily from sources like dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and calcium-set tofu
- Vitamin D: 600-1,000 IU daily from fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods to enhance calcium absorption
- Protein: 0.8-1.2 g/kg body weight daily from lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts to support tissue repair
- Vitamin C: from citrus fruits, berries, and peppers to promote collagen formation
- Zinc: from meat, shellfish, and legumes to support bone healing
- Adequate hydration with 8-10 cups of water daily is also vital for the healing process.
- Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and excessive sodium intake is recommended, as these can interfere with calcium absorption or bone formation. The importance of calcium and vitamin D in fracture healing is highlighted by the 2024 standards of care in diabetes, which advise ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients to prevent fractures 1. While the study focuses on diabetes care, its recommendations on calcium and vitamin D intake are relevant to the broader context of bone health and fracture healing. By prioritizing a balanced diet rich in these essential nutrients, individuals can support the optimal healing of physeal fractures and promote overall bone health.
From the Research
Optimal Diet for Healing of Physeal (Growth Plate) Fractures
- A balanced diet with optimal protein and calcium intake, as well as vitamin D sufficiency, is recommended for bone health and fracture prevention 2.
- Protein intake is positively associated with bone mineral density, microstructure-estimated bone strength, and trabecular and cortical microstructure, and may reduce fracture risk 2, 3.
- Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone health and fracture healing, and deficiencies in these nutrients may compromise bone repair 4, 5.
- Dairy products are a valuable source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, and consuming these products may lower hip fracture risk 2, 6.
- A Mediterranean diet or a prudent diet, which includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, may also be associated with a lower fracture risk 2.
- Adequate nutrition, including sufficient protein, calcium, and vitamin D, is important for bone health and fracture healing, and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures 2, 4, 5, 3, 6.
Key Nutrients for Bone Health
- Protein: essential for bone health and fracture healing, and may reduce fracture risk 2, 3.
- Calcium: essential for bone health and fracture healing, and deficiencies may compromise bone repair 4, 5.
- Vitamin D: essential for bone health and fracture healing, and deficiencies may compromise bone repair 4, 5.
- Fruits and vegetables: may reduce fracture risk and promote bone health 2.