What happens to the food we eat?

In this animation, Peter Grabowski explains how the body breaks down the food we eat so that it can be used for energy or as the raw materials to repair and build new tissue.

The nutrients that we need to strengthen muscle, maintain stable joints and keep bones strong are all contained within the food we eat. But these nutrients often occur in complex forms which are not readily absorbed by the body.

There are many foods, vitamins and minerals that have benefit for the musculoskeletal system. Throughout this week we’ll explore the most important nutritional factors for a healthy musculoskeletal system, focusing on those for which there is the best scientific evidence, as we can’t discuss everything in the time available.

We can’t offer individual, tailored and specific advice but we will use population-level guidance from the UK as a base from which we invite you to share your knowledge and views from across the world.