WASHINGTON - Calcium and vitamin D supplements can improve bone density
during a crucial growth period for young girls.
A six-month study looked at identical twin girls aged between nine and 12, who
were randomly assigned to receive either the calcium and vitamin D tablets, or a
matched placebo.
David Greene, lecturer in exercise science at Australian Catholic University (ACU),
said results showed that the supplements improved measures of bone mineral
density, bone mineral content and bone strength in these girls.
These results are particularly important as young women accumulate bone mass
most rapidly during adolescence, he said.
Therefore, ideal skeletal development can only be achieved when adequate dietary
intakes of calcium and vitamin D supplement physical activity during this
period, according to an ANU release.
Maximising bone strength during the growing years is also essential in order to
offset the effects of osteoporosis in later life.
Source : Taragana
