Healthnotes Newswire (December 8, 2005)-Teenage boys can increase their bone-mineral content and their height by taking a calcium supplement, according to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2005;90:3153-61).

LifeSource Vitamins

Osteoporosis is a major contributor to health problems in older people. The severely low bone density that characterizes osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, which can lead to immobility and complicated recovery that can even result in death. Osteoporosis prevention has a two-pronged approach: maximizing the bone density at the time in life when it reaches its peak (about 25 years old) and minimizing bone loss in later life. A number of nutrients can influence bone density by stimulating proper use of calcium by the body; however, adequate calcium intake and exercise remain the cornerstones of osteoporosis prevention. Several studies have found that supplementing with calcium before and around the time of puberty can lead to increased bone-mineral density. Little is known about the effects of calcium supplementation in adolescents who are past puberty.

In the current study, 143 healthy boys between the ages of 16 and 18 were randomly assigned to take either a calcium supplement (500 mg twice per day in the form of calcium carbonate) or a placebo for 12 months. Bone-mineral status, height, and weight were measured at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. It was determined at the end of the study that overall compliance was about 59%; in the calcium group, the intake of supplemental calcium averaged 652 mg per day. Measurements taken at the middle and end of the study showed that the amount of mineral in the bones (bone-mineral content) increased significantly more in the boys taking calcium than in the boys not taking calcium; the difference was greater at the end of the study. In addition, the boys taking calcium grew significantly more in height than the boys who did not take calcium. This difference was 7 mm, or about 0.28 inches. Finally, when activity level was considered, the boys with a high activity level had more bone mass and increased their bone-mineral content more than boys with a low activity level.

The results of this study show that calcium supplementation can lead to an increase in bone-mineral content and an increase in growth in height in adolescent boys. They also add to the evidence that exercise is beneficial for bone-building during adolescence. In a previous study, adolescent girls who were past puberty (ages 16 to 18) experienced an increase in bone-mineral density but did not increase in height more than girls who did not take calcium. Whether these changes in bone density will have a lasting impact on bone health later in life in either gender should be a topic of future research. Additional research should also focus on whether the short-term height gain seen in boys taking calcium will result in them being taller once they reach their maximum height.

See All LifeSource Vitamins Calcium Products, Articles & Studies: Click Here

Proudly Made in the USA!

Every LifeSource Vitamins product exceeds all regulatory standards and requirements set forth in the FDA's Code of Federal Regulation. ( 21 CFR, part 111 ) as well as all Good Manufacturing Practices enforced by the FDA. CGMP's provide for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. ( CGMP ).

LifeSource Vitamins: Driven by Faith ~ Powered by God

Have Questions on this or any other product or health issue for you or a loved one? It can be overwhelming we know. Call us, we will walk you through what supplements will help you and which ones you really don’t need. It’s what we do! Toll-Free: 800-567-8122

LifeSource Vitamins – Founded in 1992

100% of our profits are donated to Christian Organizations like these and many others worldwide:

Campus Crusade for Christ - CRU

The Jesus Film Project

World Vision

The Tim Tebow Foundation

Compassion International

Samaritan’s Purse

The Herman and Sharron Show on CTN (Christian Television Network) and many more…

www.LifesourceVitamins.com

E-mail Us: [email protected]

or Call Us: 800.567.8122

We Are Built on Compassion - Driven by Faith & Powered by God!

*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical conditions, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements based on the information on this site.

LifeSource Vitamins: from the nutrients we choose, to the way we run our business, we answer to God in all we do!