Final answer:
Vitamins A, C, and D, along with Vitamin K, are essential for bone growth and health. Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium absorption, which is vital for bone structure, while Vitamin K supports bone mineralization and may enhance the effects of Vitamin D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vitamins that play an important role in normal bone growth and maintenance include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and most importantly, Vitamin D.
While Vitamin A is crucial for the growth and development of bones, Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, which is part of the bone matrix. However, Vitamin D is fundamental for calcium absorption in the intestine, which is critical for bone formation and remodeling.
Additionally, Vitamin K supports bone mineralization and may work synergistically with Vitamin D in regulating bone growth.
Dietary sources of Vitamin D include fortified foods, fish, and exposure to sunlight which enables the skin to synthesize this essential nutrient. Likewise, Vitamin K can be found in green leafy vegetables. These vitamins, along with essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium, contribute to bone strength and integrity.