Calcium supplementation is often recommended in children to help build strong bones to aid in the prevention of fractures and osteoporosis, a condition of weak bones that can develop in late life.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found little use of calcium supplementation in children in terms of building bone density. The results combine information from more than 19 studies that assesed calcium supplementation and bone mineral density in nearly 3,000 children age 3-18 years of age.
Each child was given a supplement of calcium or a placebo pill for a various time periods. Bone mineral density was compared in each participant in the spine, hip and arm.
There was no difference in bone mineral density in the hip or spine between the children whether they were supplemented or not. There was a slight increase in bone mineral density of the arm with calcium supplementation.
The researchers do not negate the effect of calcium supplementation in children, but stress that some focus on bone health can be directed towards Vitamin D or other nutrients that are also involved in bone metabolism.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 23, 2006 01:57 PM
