Calcium in Early life

Getting enough calcium early in life is vital for bones to reach their maximum density so that they are as strong as possible to support the body even when they lose density later in life. Studies show that calcium intake in the 11-24 age group is often below the recommended levels with serious consequences for later life. It is never too late to slow the bone loss seen in osteoporosis and early postmenopausal years are an important time to ensure optimal intake.There may be a genetic component in osteoporosis in addition to behavioral and hormonal factors. Body weight is the factor most frequently linked to bone mineral density and in women, body fat may be at least as important as muscle in maintaining bone mineral content. Bone loss is found to be up to 11% greater during the night. Calcium levels are also lowest during the night and may be affected by the concentration of the hormone cortisol. These findings may offer new hope for the support of osteoporosis.A synthetic calcitonin nasal spray is available in the US and offers and alternative support for osteoporosis for women who cannot tolerate the estrogen therapy that is the conventional support for osteoporosis. Intake of calcium and vitamin D needs also to be adequate.