Double-blind, controlled calcium supplementation and bone mineral accretion in children accustomed to a low-calcium diet.
A randomized, double-blind, controlled calcium supplementation trial was conducted for 18 mo to determine its effects on bone acquisition and height increment in 162 7-y-old Chinese children (87 boys and 75 girls) with habitually low calcium intakes (280 mg/d). Distal one-third radial bone mineral content (BMC), area bone density (BMC/bone width), and height were evaluated every 6 mo. Baseline dietary intakes, serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, and physical activity were determined. The study group received 300 mg Ca/d as calcium carbonate; control subjects received placebo tablets. After 18 mo the study group had significantly greater gains in BMC (16.5% vs 13.97%; P = 0.02) and BMC/bone width (9.45% vs 6.31%; P = 0.0008) than the control subjects. The findings confirm a positive effect of calcium intake on bone acquisition but no effect on height increment. Whether a higher bone mass attained at age 8-9 y would be maintained and beneficial to future peak bone mass requires longitudinal investigation. Further study is warranted to determine calcium requirements for Chinese children.
Lee
W T
WT
Department of Paediatrics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin.
Leung
S S
SS
Wang
S H
SH
Xu
Y C
YC
Zeng
W P
WP
Lau
J
J
Oppenheimer
S J
SJ
Cheng
J C
JC
D001827:Body Height; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D002136:Calcium, Dietary