Relation between calcium intake, grip strength and bone mineral density in the forearms of girls aged 13 and 15.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether there is an association between calcium intake in adolescent girls and bone mineral density (BMD). Also, the relationships between BMD, various anthropometric factors and grip strength were evaluated.


METHODS
Cross-sectional comparison of BMD, calcium intake and grip strength in 13 and 15 year age groups, randomly selected.


METHODS
Ten secondary elementary schools in the Reykjavik area.


METHODS
One hundred and ninety-seven Icelandic Caucasian girls aged 13 and 15. One hundred and seventy participated and 162 completed the study.


METHODS
Single photon absorptiometry was used to measure BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) in both forearms. Consumption of milk and dairy products was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight were measured and grip strength was determined with a hand-held dynamometer.


RESULTS
Calcium intake was found to be significantly correlated to BMD in the older group after adjustment for menarcheal age and weight (r = 0.24; P < 0.05). Division into three subgroups yielded a significantly greater coefficient of correlation between calcium intake and BMD in the lowest calcium consumption group (r = 0.44; P < 0.05). No association was found in the younger age group. Significant positive correlations between grip strength and regional bone mineral density accounted for up to 16.8% of the variation in BMD (P < 0.001) and 38.4% of the variation in BMC.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is consistent with the hypothesis that a threshold effect of calcium intake on BMD might exist. Above this threshold (1000-1200 mg) no further effect on BMD was seen. The results show a strong association between grip strength, a measure representative of total body strength, and BMD.
Kristinsson
J O
JO
Department of Medicine, Reykjavik City Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Valdimarsson
O
O
Steingrimsdottir
L
L
Sigurdsson
G
G
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011884:Radius / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002136:Calcium, Dietary