Calcium Supplementation Increases Bone Density in Adolescent Girls

In a longitudinal calcium intervention study, bone density was assessed in pubertal girls for 18 months. Significant additional increases in total body bone mineral density (1.3%) and spine bone mineral density (2.9%) and content (4.7%) were noted in the calcium-supplemented group. Increasing bone mass during adolescence with adequate calcium intake, if maintained into adulthood, could decrease the risk of osteoporosis later in life.