ABSTRACT
Inadequate dietary intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D can have serious effects upon the musculoskeletal system. Insufficient protein leads to reduced muscle mass and immunity, increased infections, edema, slower wound healing, and during pregnancy, preeclampsia. A lack of dietary protein causes the body to pull protein from the skeletal muscles, weakening them. Sarcopenia is age-related voluntary muscle wasting. Skeletal muscle injuries include muscle strain (a microscopic injury), muscle tear (pulled muscle), rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle fibers), and muscle contusion (bruise or hematoma). Muscle cramps are involuntary, painful contractions of muscles, while tetany causes more sustained muscle spasms. Heat cramps are painful, spasmodic muscle cramps. Nutrition for healthy bones requires sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, with the Mediterranean diet being most recommended. Osteoporosis is a progressive metabolic disease that decreases bone mineral density. Osteomalacia is usually due to a vitamin D deficiency in adults that usually causes bone and hip pain, bone fractures, and muscle weakness. Bone fractures are common and affect people of all ages. Good nutrition is essential to reduce risks of musculoskeletal injury and to speed up recovery from this type of injury.
