Bones calcium
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The Role of Calcium in Bone Health
Importance of Calcium for Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
Calcium is a crucial mineral for the human body, playing a significant role in bone formation and maintenance. It is the primary component of bone tissue, providing strength and structure. Adequate calcium intake is essential for bone development and metabolism throughout life.
Dietary Calcium vs. Supplements
Effects on Bone Mineral Density
Research indicates that increasing calcium intake, whether through dietary sources or supplements, can lead to small increases in bone mineral density (BMD). A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that dietary calcium increased BMD by 0.6-1.0% at the total hip and total body at one year, and by 0.7-1.8% at these sites and the lumbar spine and femoral neck at two years. Calcium supplements showed similar increases in BMD across various skeletal sites over one to two and a half years.
Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters
Calcium present in mineral drinking waters is also an important source of calcium intake. Studies have shown that the bioavailability of calcium from these waters contributes significantly to maintaining bone health.
Calcium Supplementation in Children
Impact on Bone Mass Accrual
Calcium supplementation during childhood has been associated with increased bone mass accrual, which is crucial for reducing the risk of fractures later in life. A study involving prepubertal girls found that calcium-enriched foods significantly increased bone mass, particularly in the appendicular skeleton, with greater benefits observed in those with lower spontaneous calcium intake. Another study on identical twins showed that prepubertal children receiving calcium supplements had significantly greater increases in BMD at various sites compared to their non-supplemented counterparts.
Long-Term Effects
However, the long-term benefits of calcium supplementation in children are less clear. A meta-analysis concluded that while there is a small effect of calcium supplementation on upper limb BMD, this increase is unlikely to result in a clinically significant reduction in fracture risk . The effects do not seem to persist beyond the supplementation period.
Calcium and Vitamin D in Older Adults
Reducing Bone Loss and Fractures
In older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, calcium combined with vitamin D supplementation has been shown to moderately reduce bone loss and the incidence of nonvertebral fractures. A study found that supplementation led to significant increases in BMD at the femoral neck, spine, and total body over three years, and reduced the incidence of nonvertebral fractures. Another long-term study on postmenopausal women demonstrated that calcium supplementation reduced the rate of total body BMD loss and decreased the occurrence of fractures.
Conclusion
Calcium plays a vital role in bone health across all age groups. While both dietary sources and supplements can increase BMD, the effects are generally small and may not lead to significant reductions in fracture risk. In children, the benefits of calcium supplementation are more pronounced in those with lower baseline calcium intake, but these effects may not persist long-term. In older adults, calcium combined with vitamin D can help reduce bone loss and fracture incidence, highlighting the importance of adequate calcium intake throughout life.
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