A recent study found that higher intakes of calcium, such as those recommended by the USDA, may significantly improve bone health in children. Researchers statistically pooled and assessed data from 21 randomized clinical trials with more than 3,800 children to determine how dietary calcium intake affects children's bone mineral content (BMC), which is a marker for bone strength. The analysis showed that children who had inadequate calcium consumption before the start of these studies experienced a substantial increase in their total body BMC — approximately 25 times greater — than children who already consumed adequate calcium. These new findings show that for those children who have inadequate calcium intake, increasing dietary calcium has a significant impact on bone development. Meeting calcium recommendations may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Click here for more details on the study.
Huncharek M, Muscat J,Kupelnick B. Bone;43:312-321, 2008.
