Final answer:
To prevent or delay osteoporosis, increasing weight-bearing exercise is key, as it stimulates bone building. Adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium is also essential, whereas increasing dietary vitamin C is not directly related to bone health like the other two.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors in Preventing or Delaying Osteoporosis
Factors that play a significant role in preventing or delaying osteoporosis are directly related to lifestyle choices and dietary habits. Increase in weight-bearing exercise is beneficial for bone health because it puts stress on bones, which stimulates bone building. Adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium is crucial for maintaining bone density; these nutrients can be found in dairy products and fortified foods. It is also important to avoid behaviors that can exacerbate bone loss such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. As opposed to decreasing, increasing exposure to the sun in moderation can help one's body produce more vitamin D, which is vital for bone health. Furthermore, drinking fluoridated water has not been shown to be a significant factor in preventing osteoporosis.
Therefore, among the options given, the factor that helps in preventing or delaying osteoporosis is increasing dietary vitamin C. Although vitamin C is important for general health, it is not directly related to bone density like calcium and vitamin D. To clarify, increasing weight-bearing exercise is the correct approach towards maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis.