Osteoporosis prevention begins in adolescence

The national "milk mustache" campaign features a number of famous faces including teen actress Neve Campbell.

Why target the adolescent audience?

Taking in calcium during the adolescent years is like making a deposit in a child's trust fund that will pay off for them later in life. Bone formation occurs over the first 30 years of life, the peak time taking place during pre- and early adolescence. Once formed, bone can be kept healthy through weight-bearing exercises and adequate dietary calcium. 

"Calcium intakes for adolescents are far below recommended amounts," said Dr. Steven Abrams, a CNRC researcher and an associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. Abrams participated on the panel that established the new calcium guidelines, released by the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences last year. The new recommendation for adolescents ages 9 to 18 is 1,300 milligrams of calcium per day, which translates to about four 8 oz. glasses of milk.*

After the age of 30, bone mass remains relatively constant in men. But, it begins to drop drastically in women at menopause. Without good calcium reserves, this drop can lead to osteoporosis , a disease characterized by weak bones that fracture easily. That's why prevention strategies are targeting teenagers, especially girls.

Abrams is currently conducting a study examining how pre-adolescent girls' bodies respond to different levels of calcium. Called Project Healthy Bones, the study is open to healthy African-American and Caucasian girls, ages 9-13. Call Dee Dee Powledge at (713) 798-7085 for more information. 

Adapted from "No Bones About It: Osteoporosis Prevention Can Begin in Adolescence," by Kristina Van Arsdel, Texas Medical Center News