New PCRM Study Shatters Milk Myth:Children’s Bone Health Tied to Exercise, Not Dairy
There is more at the beginning of this article article found HERE.
No Evidence to Support Milk Claims
In summary, we found that the vast majority of controlled studies of dairy supplementation or total dietary calcium intake show that, while very low calcium intakes (e.g., below 400 mg per day) may be harmful to bone development, increases in dairy or total dietary calcium intake (above 400 to 500 mg per day) are not correlated with, or a predictor of, bone mineral density or fracture rate in children or young adults.
In fact, we found no evidence to support the notion that milk is a preferred source of calcium. While milk and other dairy products contain calcium, many factors affect the availability and retention of the calcium from these products.
Calcium in Plant Foods Is Better Absorbed
For example, the calcium in dairy products is not as well absorbed as that in many dark green leafy vegetables, but has an absorption fraction similar to that of calcium supplements, calcium-enriched beverages, calcium-set tofu, sweet potatoes, and beans. One cup of cooked kale or turnip greens, 2-3 cup of tofu, or 2-3 cups of broccoli provide the same amount of absorbable calcium as 1 cup of cow?s milk (as would 1 cup of fortified orange juice, soymilk, or Basic 4 cereal).
Dairy products also contain nutrients that interfere with calcium balance. Dairy protein and sodium increase the urinary excretion of calcium.
Kids Need Exercise, Sunshine, and Healthy Diet
If dairy products don?t help kids grow strong bones, what does?
Studies show that physical activity has the greatest positive impact on adolescents? bone health. In addition, spending some time in the sunlight, avoiding smoking and high salt and caffeine intakes, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables are all good strategies for supporting healthy bone development and maintenance. It is also a good idea for children and adults to get at least 400 to 500 mg calcium per day from plant sources such as beans, greens, whole grain bread, tortillas, fortified juices, cereals, or nondairy milks.
For more information on helping children build healthy bones, visit www.strongbones.org. To order a free copy of Parents? Guide to Building Better Bones or a reprint of the Pediatrics paper, please email literature@pcrm.org or call 202-686-2210, ext. 306.
Lanou AJ, Berkow SE, Barnard ND. Calcium, dairy products, and bone health in children and young adults: a reevaluation of the evidence. Pediatrics. 2005;115:736-43.
New PCRM Study Shatters Milk Myth: Children’s Bone Health Tied to Exercise, Not Dairy
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