 |
|
Calcium supplements fail to prevent bone fractures in children
September 15, 2006Effects of calcium supplementation on bone density in healthy children: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Calcium supplements have very little benefit for preventing fractures in childhood and later adulthood, concludes a study in the BMJ.
Children taking such supplements are have only small improvements in bone density, which are unlikely to reduce fracture risk, says the study carried out by researchers at the Menzies Research Institute in Australia and other approaches could be more beneficial such as increasing vitamin D concentrations and eating more fruit and vegetables.
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem, particularly in women, and low bone mineral density is an important risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. Bone density worsens for women after the menopause, so intervention in childhood to maximise peak bone mass by improving factors such as diet and physical activity can minimise the impact of bone loss related to age.
The researchers analysed the findings of 19 different studies involving 2,859 children collectively aged between three and 18. They included randomised trials of calcium supplementation in healthy children that lasted at least three months and which measured bone outcomes after at least six months of follow-up.
They found there was a small effect on total body bone mineral content and upper limb bone mineral density - children taking the supplements only had 1.7% better bone density in their upper limbs than children not taking the supplements.
However, there was no effect at important sites in the body for fracture in later life - namely the hip and lumbar spine. After children stopped taking calcium supplements, the effect persisted at the upper limb, but disappeared for total body bone mineral content.
The authors conclude: "The small effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral density in the upper limb is unlikely to reduce the risk of fracture, either in childhood or later life, to a degree of major public health importance. It may be appropriate to explore alternative nutritional interventions, such as increasing vitamin D concentrations and intake of fruit and vegetables."
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Osteoporosis is a major public health problem, particularly in women, and low bone mineral density is an important risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. Bone density worsens for women after the menopause, so intervention in childhood to maximise peak bone mass by improving factors such as diet and physical activity can minimise the impact of bone loss related to age.
The researchers analysed the findings of 19 different studies involving 2,859 children collectively aged between three and 18. They included randomised trials of calcium supplementation in healthy children that lasted at least three months and which measured bone outcomes after at least six months of follow-up.
They found there was a small effect on total body bone mineral content and upper limb bone mineral density - children taking the supplements only had 1.7% better bone density in their upper limbs than children not taking the supplements.
However, there was no effect at important sites in the body for fracture in later life - namely the hip and lumbar spine. After children stopped taking calcium supplements, the effect persisted at the upper limb, but disappeared for total body bone mineral content.
The authors conclude: "The small effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral density in the upper limb is unlikely to reduce the risk of fracture, either in childhood or later life, to a degree of major public health importance. It may be appropriate to explore alternative nutritional interventions, such as increasing vitamin D concentrations and intake of fruit and vegetables."
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Commonly prescribed antidepressants associated with lower bone density in older men and women
The class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be associated with an increased rate of bone loss in older men and women.
Dietary calcium is better than supplements at protecting bone health
Women who get most of their daily calcium from food have healthier bones than women whose calcium comes mainly from supplemental tablets.
Outpatient thyroid surgery safe for most patients, study shows
Outpatient thyroid surgery appears to be safe for the majority of patients, according to a study following 91 patients at two hospitals.
Researchers show the BEST way to reduce osteoporosis risk
Osteoporosis International, the leading clinical publication on the disease, published data from the Bone Estrogen Strength Training (BEST) Study at The University of Arizona which confirmed that a specific regimen of weight-bearing and resistance exercises, combined with calcium citrate supplement over four years, provided significant improvement in bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal women.
More Calcium Supplement Current Events and Calcium Supplement News Articles
 |
Nature's Bounty Coral Calcium Plus Vitamin D & Magnesium, 1000 mg, 120 Capsules (Pack of 2) by Nature's Bounty Dietary Supplement. 1000 mg per serving. Modern farming methods and over processed food often strip our diet of important minerals. Coral Calcium Plus contains Coral Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin C for bone health, plus Vitamin D to aid in calcium absorp |
 |
Schiff Super Calcium 1200 mg with Vitamin D, 120 Softgels by Schiff Calcium is an essential mineral in the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Regular exercise and a healthy diet with enough calcium helps teen and young adult Caucasian and Asian women maintain good bone health and may reduce their high risk of osteoporosis later in life. Adequate calcium intake is important, but daily intakes above about 2,000 mg are not likely to provide any additional benefits. Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and helps form tooth and bone. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.) No added sugar (sugar, fructose, lactose), salt (sodium chloride), yeast, wheat, gluten or milk. No preservatives, artificial colors or artificial... |
 |
Viactiv Soft Calcium Chews, 500+D+K, Caramel, 90-Count Boxes (Pack of 2) by Viactiv Calcium Supplement Plus Vitamins D and K. Active nutrition for women by women. Artificial flavor. Why Calcium? Osteoporosis affects menopausal women, middle-aged and older persons. Preventing osteoporosis should start earlier in your life. Regular exercis |
 |
Caltrate 600 Plus D Calcium Supplement Chewable Tablets with Vitamin D and Minerals, Assorted Fruit Flavors, 90-Count Bottles (Pack of 2) by Caltrate This dietary supplement comes in a chewable tablet form and is made with natural and artificial flavors including cherry, orange and fruit punch. Each tablet provides 600 mg of elemental calcium. Made in USA. |
 |
Citracal Calcium Citrate - Calcium with Vitamin D - 240 Caplets by Citracal To maintain healthy bones, it is recommended that teen and adult women get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet with enough calcium throughout their lives. This may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which can affect middle-aged and older women (particularly White and Asian women). While adequate calcium intake is important in nourishing your bones, taking more than 2,000mg is not likely to provide any additional benefit. |
 |
Rainbow Light Calcium +, Food Based, Tablets, 180 tablets by Rainbow Light Calcium supplement. 500 mg Calcium and 1,000 mg Magnesium. Comprehensive bone and muscle support. Soothes sore muscles. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.) Bio available mineral forms. Multi-mineral and herb system for bone and muscle health. Calcium + comprehensive bone and muscle support system is designed for active adults or anyone wanting to balance a calcium-dominant diet with added magnesium. It features: Comprehensive Skeletal Support--from 500 mg calcium and 1,000 mg magnesium plus important co-nutrients and an herbal blend traditionally used to soothe muscles; An Easy Absorption Formula--because mineral can be notoriously difficult to absorb, bio-available... |
 |
Nature Made Enhanced Absorption Calcium + D + K (750 Mg X 300 Tablets) by Nature Made Increases Calcium absorption by up to 65% over taking Calcium alone. Helps build strong bones and may help prevent osteoporosis. Adequate Calcium in a healthful diet is important for teen, young adult and post menopausal women. Vitamin D improves Calcium absorption. Vitamin K helps maintain bone health. |
 |
Thompson Candy - Adora Calcium - Dark Chocolate, 30 pieces by Thompson Candy Adora Calcium in premium chocolate will change the way you think about calcium supplements. If you've been choking down calcium pills or chews that are chalky, sticky, or simply too big to swallow, then you are in for a real treat! Adora Calcium tastes like real chocolate because it is made from all-natural chocolate - not a fake chocolate chew, but real, premium chocolate produced by a 129-year-old chocolate manufacturer. The flavor is rich and creamy with just a hint of sweetness and no bitter aftertaste. With Dark Chocolate Adora Calcium, you can look forward to taking your calcium!* NOTE: Heat Sensitive - Chocolate - Special Shipping Recommended Product - Special Shipping Required This is a Heat Sensitive Product. We strongly recommend you choose expedited shipping for this... |
 |
Rainbow Light Everyday Calcium with Enzymes Food-Based Tablets, 120-Count Bottles (Pack of 2) by Rainbow Light Dietary supplement. Bio-Available Calcium and Magnesium. High-potency formula. Easy digestion and absorption. The high potency Calcium/Magnesium system for optimal absorption. Rainbow Light's Everyday Calcium with Enzymes system provides high-potency, bio |
 |
Spring Valley - Calcium 600 mg with Vitamin D 600 mg, Twin Pack, 500 Coated Tablets by Schiff Nutrition International. Regular exercise and healthy diet with enough Calcium helps teen and young adult women, who are at the high risk of osteoporosis (Caucasian and Asian women are particularly at risk for osteoporosis). Adequate Calcium intake is important, but daily intakes above 2,000mg are not likely to provide any additional benefit. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |