Nutrition and Physical Activity in Musculoskeletal Health
Ligia J. Dominguez,
Nicola Veronese,
Lee Smith,
Francesco Saverio Ragusa,
Giovanna Di Bella,
Giuseppe Battaglia,
Antonino Bianco,
Mario Barbagallo
Affiliations
Ligia J. Dominguez
Department of Medicine and Surgery, “Kore” University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy
Nicola Veronese
Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
Lee Smith
Center for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
Francesco Saverio Ragusa
Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
Giovanna Di Bella
Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
Giuseppe Battaglia
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Antonino Bianco
Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Mario Barbagallo
Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
A balanced diet and regular physical activity are essential for maintaining musculoskeletal health. Key nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein are especially important for preventing falls and fractures. While the benefits of these nutrients are well-established, other dietary components have not been studied as extensively. For instance, vegetables, which are rich in nutrients vital for muscle and bone health, play a crucial role in preventing falls and fractures. Over recent decades, a great emphasis has been given to the combinations of nutrients and foods in dietary patterns that may have synergistic or antagonistic effects. Despite the challenges in researching the impact of nutrition and physical activity on musculoskeletal health due to the extensive heterogeneity of the results, healthcare professionals should continue to promote healthy eating and regular physical activity, and these principles should be emphasized in public health initiatives. Ultimately, a sufficient and balanced diet, abundant in plant-based foods and low in processed or discretionary foods, along with consistent physical activity, remains the most effective strategy for the prevention of musculoskeletal issues. This article aims to review the updated literature of recent years on the links between nutrition and physical activity with bone and skeletal muscle health.
