Children Lack Adequate Dietary Calcium

According to a recent report, U.S. children and adolescents aren’t receiving appropriate amounts of dietary calcium. According to the authors of the report, adequate calcium intake is necessary to achieve peak bone mass, important for reducing stress fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Calcium is essential in early adolescence when more calcium is needed during a 3-4 year period when peak bone growth occurs and 40 percent of total lifetime bone mass is accumulated. A well-rounded diet including low-fat dairy products, fruits, and vegetables and appropriate physical activity are important for achieving good bone health.