Abstract
Calcium is an important building block for bone. It is necessary for bone acquisition in childhood and bone maintenance in adulthood. Calcium can only be obtained from the diet, so nutrition plays a large part in bone health. This chapter focuses on calcium, but other nutritional elements such as vitamin D, phosphorus and protein are just as important for overall bone health. These nutrients' effects on skeletal health are complementary and likely additive. In nature, these nutrients are packaged and consumed together and their individual effects on bone cannot be separated from each other.