According to a new study by researchers from the University of Sheffield, taking a daily calcium supplement helps increase the bone density and the amount of minerals found in the bones of teenage girls. Since about 35% of an adult’s bone mass is produced during the teenage years, getting enough calcium at this stage of development is important.
The study also showed that weakening of the bones decreased with the daily supplement. Unfortunately once the teenagers stopped taking the supplement, their bones slowly started to lose density.
So, what can we learn from this new study? Mostly that we should make sure our kids and teens are getting enough calcium, both through a balanced diet and a daily supplement where needed. Making sure our bodies get enough off this mineral all throughout life, including early adulthood, will go a long way towards keeping our bones healthy and avoiding bone weakening later on in life.
February 21st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Kids can get an adequate amount of calcium from their diet if it is done properly. There is quite alot of calcium rich food that can be easily added to your kids diet plan, and they should be getting a small amount of exercise even if it is just going for a walk, just minimal exercise is enough to help. If you are interested here is more info on calcium sources and calcium benefits