Adolescents Need More Calcium to Grow.

• Position: Brief Article

The amount of calcium adolescents need to achieve maximum bone growth has been determined for the first time by research at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. It shows they require 1,300 milligrams per day--an amount found in four and a half cups of milk or yogurt, indicates Connie Weaver, head of the Department of Food and Nutrition.

The National Academy of Sciences' Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) calls for between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams of calcium per day. For adolescents in age groups nine-13 and 14-18, the recommendations call for 1,300 milligrams of calcium per day. Distinguishing between adolescents and adults in the guidelines is important, Weaver says, because bone growth occurs almost exclusively during adolescence, or during the years following the onset of puberty for women. "Your window of opportunity for bone growth occurs while you're pretty young."

Calcium, which makes up much of bone, is an essential element for many body functions. As the body ages, it gets some of the calcium it needs by slowly breaking down bone material. Osteoporosis--excessive loss of bone material and minerals as a person ages--can result in bones becoming thin and weak...