Latest findings from a research team in Finland have concluded that preteen girls who get calcium from food sources have healthier bones than those who receive the mineral from supplements. In addition, researchers also found that children who already received adequate amounts of calcium in their diets did not benefit from any form of extra calcium.
For two years, researchers followed a group of 195 healthy girls, ages 10 to 12, whose calcium intake was less than 900 mg a day. They randomly assigned the children to receive 1000 mg calcium tablets, 1000 mg calcium plus 200 IU vitamin D tablets, low-fat cheese (1000 mg of calcium), or placebo tablets.
The researchers measured the effects of calcium supplementation on bone mass and body composition. They found that the group of girls receiving the cheese experienced the most beneficial effects in terms of bone mass. Researchers also found that if study participants exceeded certain levels of dietary calcium intake, no benefits were experienced.
Researchers believe that their study brings up a very important question for the entire medical community: how to avoid the unnecessary calcium supplementation in normally growing children.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.