Its important for all girls to build strong, healthy bones for life. Calcium is an essential nutrient in building strong bones because it helps build peak bone mass. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a daily calcium intake of 1,300 mg during the peak bone building years for girls aged 9 to 18. This daily regimen results in greater accumulation of bone mineral mass and studies have shown that bone mineral content (BMC) achieved in childhood may have an effect on overall bone mass later in life.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 9 out of 10 teenage girls do not get enough calcium. Dairy foods are the best source of calcium, but calcium dietary supplements are available.
Here are some tips for promoting good adolescent bone health and reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life:
- Four 8-to-10 ounce glasses of milk, per day, are necessary to achieve an adequate calcium intake.
- Calcium can be obtained by eating other dairy foods such as flavored milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Practice parental role modeling to show girls that we should all build healthy bones.
- Encourage physical activity to keep bones strong.
- Make sure that your pediatrician is regularly checking calcium intake.
