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This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of participation in various sports on side-to-side (contralateral) differences in bone mineral density (BMD) of the upper and lower limbs. The BMD of the arms and legs was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The subjects were 184 collegiate athletes, both men and women, who participated in NCAA Division I-A baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, tennis, cross-country, indoor/outdoor track, and volleyball Results revealed greater BMD of the right arms compared with the left arms for all teams, with the most pronounced differences observed in men's and women's tennis and men's baseball. Differences in the lower limbs were less common. No significant differences in lower limb BMD were found in the women. In men, differences in lower limb BMD were found in the football and tennis teams, with the nondominant leg having greater bone mass. Recognition of contralateral differences in bone density may be of particular interest to strength and conditioning professionals as they consider the need to include bilateral and unilateral training programs in an effort to maximize performance and minimize stress-related injuries. Key Words: site-specific, absorptiometry, contralateral, exercise, mechanical loading, training

This article examines calcium intake and food sources among European-American and African-American college athletes. Findings indicate that mixed dishes and dairy products were the most common food sources of dietary calcium, that there were no racial differences in calcium consumption levels, and that male athletes consume significantly more calcium than female athletes.

The risk for training injuries and future osteoporosis is increasing in female collegiate athletes due to inadequate calcium intake. Calcium intake specifically, rather than total dietary intake, is assessed by the Rapid Assessment Method was developed on several groups of Americans, including college students, making it pertinent to collegiate athletes.

Examination is done on whether calcium supplementation in eumenorrheic female athletes promotes bone mineral density (BMD). Studies reveal that calcium supplements of 1000 mg/d adequately boost the total intake to the recommended levels during athletic training.