8 Bone-Building Nutrients

Vitamin K
This vitamin is essential for the formation of osteocalcin, a type of protein found only in bone. High intake of vitamin K has been linked to lower risk of fractures in some populations. Therefore, I highly recommend loading up on vitamin K-rich green–leafy veggies like kale, lettuce, and spinach — as well as asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, watercress, parsley, or okra (all of which are high in vitamin K). Consuming these vegetables may help slow bone loss and reduce your risk of breaking a bone later in life. However, vitamin K is a natural blood thickener and may cause problems if you’re taking blood–thinning medication, so talk to your doctor before incorporating vitamin K–rich foods into your diet.