Clients who are pregnant should consume the recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D to support fetal skeletal development.
Infants who are breastfed should receive 400 IU vitamin D daily to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and promote healthy skeletal growth.
Consuming calcium and vitamin D to promote bone growth continues to be important throughout childhood as females achieve up to 90% of their peak bone mass by age 18 and males by age 20.
In adulthood, females have a higher risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Temporary declines in bone density occur during lactation, and progressive declines occur as part of the hormonal changes related to menopause.
Clients with impaired skin integrity may need oral supplements containing protein to promote wound-healing.
Bisphosphonates are a class of medications used to treat osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
Some medications including corticosteroids, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and loop diuretics, and some anticonvulsant medications can cause nutritional deficiencies that can negatively affect the musculoskeletal system.