PEAK BONE MASS DEVELOPMENT OF FEMALES - CAN YOUNG-ADULT WOMEN IMPROVETHEIR PEAK BONE MASS

The purpose of this review is to summarize the effects of calcium inta ke on peak bone mass (PBM) accrual by premenopausal females during the ir 20s and possibly 30s. Prospective studies are highlighted because o f the value of investigating the same subjects for one or more years. Results of cross-sectional studies are also summarized. Findings from both prospective and cross-sectional investigations suggest a positive benefit of adequate or supplemented calcium intakes on bane mineral c ontent (BMC) in females during the third (20s) and fourth (30s) decade s of life. PBM of subjects was found to be increased or maintained in comparison to PBM of controls in the five intervention studies that us ed calcium supplementation or the addition of calcium-rich foods. The results of cross-sectional studies, including a meta-analysis of appro ximately 20 such studies, also support the benefit to PBM of adequate calcium intakes. In summary, sufficient consumption of calcium during the various stages of the early life cycle, when combined with overall sound nutrition, regular physical activity, and possibly pregnancy, l actation, and child-rearing, may contribute to PBM accrual of women du ring the early adult decades.