Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Evidence for an interaction between calcium intake and physical activity on changes in bone mineral density
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio, USA.
Abstract:
Results of trials on the effects of physical activity on bone mineral density (BMD) are conflicting. The current hypothesis was that calcium intake modifies the bone response to physical activity. Published trials on physical activity and bone density were reviewed, and the results of 17 trials are summarized. Physical activity has beneficial effects on BMD at high calcium intakes, with no effect at mean calcium intakes less than a mean of 1000 mg/day. The modifying effect of calcium intake on BMD among exercise groups is more pronounced in the lumbar spine than in the radius. This analysis may explain conflicting results of trials on physical activity and calcium effects on bone. Controlled trials designed to test adequately this hypothesis are needed.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...

