Diseases affecting bone and muscles are prevalent in individuals who do not meet nutritional needs.

Deficiencies in vitamin D cause common problems in bones and muscle: rickets can result in skeletal deformities, while osteomalacia produces muscular weakness in addition to weakened bones. Vitamin D plays an extremely important role in the musculoskeletal system because it maintains normal blood levels of calcium, which maintains healthy and dense bones. There is also evidence indicating that vitamin D when taken in concert with calcium can prevent loss of bone density, a condition known as osteoporosis.Studies suggest that creatine may improve muscle mass and strength in human, particularly when accompanied by increased physical activity. DHEA can decrease bone loss in postmenopausal women. It is also used for increasing strength, energy, and muscle mass. Taking coenzyme Q-10 orally seems to improve physical performance in some patients with muscular dystrophies.

Soy protein has weak estrogenic effects on bone and thus can increase bone mineral density (BMD), or slow BMD loss, and improve biochemical markers of bone turnover in peri- and postmenopausal women.Other supplements can contribute to the health of bones and muscles. Zinc taken orally by people with cirrhosis seems to help treat muscle cramps in zinc-deficient patients. Magnesium, which is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, helps maintain normal muscle function and strong bones.

Research indicates increasing intake of foods including fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and decreasing intake of omega-6 fatty acids is associated with higher bone mineral density of the hips in both women and men.