Vitamin D helps kids improve bone density

WASHINGTON - Calcium and vitamin D supplements can improve bone density during a crucial growth period for young girls.

A six-month study looked at identical twin girls aged between nine and 12, who were randomly assigned to receive either the calcium and vitamin D tablets, or a matched placebo.

David Greene, lecturer in exercise science at Australian Catholic University (ACU), said results showed that the supplements improved measures of bone mineral density, bone mineral content and bone strength in these girls.

These results are particularly important as young women accumulate bone mass most rapidly during adolescence, he said.

Therefore, ideal skeletal development can only be achieved when adequate dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D supplement physical activity during this period, according to an ANU release.

Maximising bone strength during the growing years is also essential in order to offset the effects of osteoporosis in later life.