All three of my teenage daughters are six feet tall or taller. I've heard that taller children need more calcium to build strong bones compared to shorter children. Is this really true?
Yes. The daily need for calcium is based on size. The most important time for calcium intake is during early growth and development. Children not yet fully grown but who will be tall need more calcium for their growing bone size.
The greatest need for calcium is during puberty when growth spurts occur. Getting the right amount of calcium for each phase of growth can be difficult, since children's growth rates and patterns can't be predicted.
Since girls and women are at greatest risk for osteoporosis, it's important to pay attention to this aspect of health throughout all phases of life.
Young girls and teens who diet or who have eating disorders may be malnourished with too-low of a protein intake. The result can be retardation in bone growth and bone formation. Those who don't exercise regularly are also at increased risk. Women after menopause also have higher rates of osteoporosis leading to fractures.
Doctors recommend getting adequate calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus intake on a daily basis. Regular, consistent, good nutrition and physical activity seem to be the best way to build up bone.
Velimir Matkovic, MD, PhD, et al. Identifying Fracture Risk and Preventing Osteoporosis in Children. In The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. September 2007. Vol. 24. No. 9. Pp. 380-390.
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