What is the significance of calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and which foods provide non-dairy sources?

• A. Calcium and vitamin D support bone mineralization and calcium absorption; non-dairy sources include fortified plant milks, leafy greens, tofu, and sardines with bones.
• B. Vitamin C and iron support bone health; dairy products are the only calcium source.
• C. Vitamin A and magnesium support bone health; meat and eggs are primary calcium sources.
• D. Zinc and potassium support bone health; nuts are the only calcium source.

Answer: (A)

Calcium and vitamin D work together to keep bones strong: calcium provides the mineral building blocks for bone, while vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium and supports bone remodeling. Without enough vitamin D, calcium absorption drops, which can weaken bones over time.

Non-dairy sources of calcium and vitamin D-rich foods include fortified plant milks (such as soy, almond, or oats) that have calcium and often vitamin D added; leafy greens like kale and bok choy (some greens provide calcium readily, though absorption varies); calcium-set tofu; and calcium-containing fish with bones, such as sardines. These options help you build and maintain bone mineral density when you don’t consume dairy.

Other choices often mention nutrients that influence health in other ways, but they aren’t the primary players for bone mineralization or calcium absorption, and they imply dairy as the only calcium source, which isn’t accurate.