CALCIUM REQUIREMENTS FOR GROWTH - ARE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS ADEQUATE

Peak adult bone mass is determined in each individual by a combination of endogenous and environmental factors. Insufficient accumulation of skeletal mass by the time young adulthood is reached appears to enhan ce the likelihood of fractures later in life. It is speculated that en vironment (nutrition and exercise) contributes to about 20% of the var iance in bone mass. Although much is yet to be learned about how diet contributes to skeletal growth and development, it now appears that ca lcium intake may be an important factor in the attainment of peak bone mass. A review of the scientific literature suggests that the current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium may not be high enoug h to optimize the genetically programmed peak bone mass in a substanti al number of growing individuals. New standards for dietary calcium in takes during growth may be indicated.