A new report suggests that bone mineral density is determined more by the exercise a teenager engages in than by calcium intake.
Researchers found no relationship between calcium intake during ages 12 to 16 years with either total body bone mineral gain or hip (bone mineral density) at age 18. They also found that it‘s not the intensity of the exercise that counts, it’s any exercise that is done on a daily or nearly daily basis.
The results surprised researchers, who had expected to see positive effects of higher calcium intake. "We (had) hypothesized that increased calcium intake would result in better adolescent bone gain. Needless to say, we were surprised to find our hypothesis refuted," one of the researchers noted.
Previous research has shown the connection between exercise and bone density, so this study is just more confirmation of this.
Pediatrics 2000;106:40-44.
One more reason why we benefit from obtaining our regular exercise requirements. Most patients I see are seriously concerned about their calcium requirements, but very few are worried that they are getting enough exercise to build their bones.
Vitamin D is also very important for bone health (see below), which is one reason to get plenty of sunlight exposure and take vitamin D supplements through the winter months.
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