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Calcium nutrition in adolescence.
Marta Mesías1, Isabel Seiquer, M Pilar Navarro
1Unidad de Nutrición, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Armilla, Granada, Spain. mmesias@ugr.es
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
|March 11, 2011
Summary
Adolescents need adequate calcium for bone growth and to prevent future osteoporosis. Most young people do not consume enough calcium, highlighting a critical public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for bone development, with increased calcium requirements.
- Inadequate calcium intake during adolescence is common globally and can lead to long-term health issues like osteoporosis.
- Pubertal hormonal changes enhance mineral utilization, necessitating sufficient dietary calcium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of adequate calcium intake during adolescence for achieving peak bone mass.
- To highlight the public health implications of insufficient calcium consumption in young people.
- To advocate for dietary education and lifestyle modifications to optimize calcium utilization.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature on adolescent nutrition and bone health.
- It synthesizes information regarding calcium requirements, dietary habits, and health outcomes.
- No new experimental data was collected; analysis is based on established scientific knowledge.
Main Results:
- Adolescents have significantly elevated calcium needs due to rapid bone and muscle growth.
- Most adolescents worldwide do not meet the recommended daily calcium intake.
- Insufficient calcium intake compromises the development of optimal peak bone mass, increasing osteoporosis risk.
Conclusions:
- Adequate calcium intake during adolescence is crucial for building strong bones and preventing adult osteoporosis.
- Educational initiatives promoting balanced diets and healthy lifestyles are essential for improving calcium utilization in adolescents.
- Addressing the widespread issue of low calcium intake is vital for public health and reducing the future burden of osteoporosis.
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