HERSHEY – Most of us think of osteoporosis as something that comes later in life with old age, when in fact the origins of osteoporosis can start at a much earlier age where it is least expected — adolescence. This critical window of time in life is where calcium intake is most vital to ensure a normal store or “bone bank” of calcium that one can “withdraw” from later in life.
In addition, normal levels of vitamin D are vital to calcium absorption in the gut; it would be like trying to place a bank deposit without your ATM card. Up to 25 percent (one out of every four) of children do not have the appropriate levels of vitamin D or calcium as part of their daily diet; that puts them at risk for developing osteoporosis later in life.
Current guidelines recommend at least 1,300 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D per day; at least 3 cups of milk (low fat or fat free are OK) plus calcium rich foods (broccoli, almonds, yogurt, cheese) usually accomplishes this. Children between the age of 11-15 should take advantage of this critical time; they don’t get a second chance to build bone later in life.
Even so, it is never too late to minimize the effects of a low “deposit” in the “bone bank” — taking calcium and vitamin D supplements can still help throughout life into old age.