Abstract Food intake provides the necessary components
for adequate metabolic functions in bone. Calcium, phosphorus,
vitamin D, magnesium, proteins, and fl uoride are
some of the most important nutrients in this regard. These
have different effects on bone mass. Additionally, exercise
has been shown to elicit osteogenic responses in bone development;
indeed, it seems to potentiate, for example, the
effect of calcium supplementation on bone mass. However,
the nutrition–exercise–bone mass relationship is complex
and needs further in-depth investigation. As a fi rst step,
therefore, we reviewed current knowledge about the role
of nutrition on the development of bone tissue and how
physical activity affects the nutrient–bone relationship.