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The development of bone mass during childhood through young adulthood is an important determinant of bone health later in life, and calcium is the major building block. Most randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of calcium supplementation have been done in girls; however, calcium supplementation in boys has been investigated in recent studies. Positive short-term effects on bone measures during growth has been shown in boys and girls, particularly in weight-bearing appendicular bone, although the lifelong effect is not certain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk intake is considered an important determinant of peak bone mass; consequently, its intake early in life may decrease risk of osteoporotic fractures later. Using the milk history questionnaire, many investigators have conducted retrospective cross-sectional studies and have determined a positive effect of milk intake in childhood and adolescence on bone mineral density in adult white women. By contrast, a recent study indicates that early milk intake has no beneficial effect on bone mineral density in black women. The milk history questionnaire can assist in determining diet-bone relationships in various groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency in adult populations of Canada and the United States. Reasons why there is vitamin D insufficiency among natives of the two countries; Important natural food sources of Vitamin D; Clinical indicator of Vitamin D status in human beings; Importance of vitamin D intake in the prevention of chronic diseases in high-risk groups.

Excess dietary protein is considered a risk factor for osteoporosis owing to the potential for renal acid load. Researchers who conducted a recent prospective study of older adults reported that animal protein had a protective role for bone, especially in elderly women, whereas plant protein was negatively associated with bone mineral density. An interaction between protein and calcium suggested protein alone was not the important factor. Other studies confirm the beneficiai effect of increasing dietary protein intake in older women to reduce bone mineral density loss and risk of fracture, suggesting that emphasis should be placed on promoting adequate protein intake in elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

although body weight is considered to positively affect bones of children and adults, recent studies suggest that overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence reduce bone mineral content below what would be predicted based on weight and are associated with an increase in incidence of childhood fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of low nutritional intake on the clinical outcomes of hospitalized elderly patients. Characteristics of patients with low nutrient intake; Factors contributing to poor nutrient intake; Use of nutritional screening to identify patients at risk for malnutrition.

Investigates the link between excess retinol intake and the high incidence of osteoporosis in Sweden and Norway. Association of high calcium intake and hip fracture incidence in northern Europe; Debate regarding diet and osteoporosis; Vitamin A and retinol content of selected foods in the United States.

Presents a study which examined the relationship between the nutrient intake and socioeconomic status. Methods used in the study; Views that underreporting of energy intake is the most serious problem in dietary assessment.

Describes the adverse effects of high-calcium intake in humans. Effect of calcium-mineral interactions on the mineral status; Recommended daily dietary calcium intake; Products that could increase the risk of high calcium consumption.

Reports that the high intake of both calcium and iron simultaneously inhibits iron absorption. Mechanism unknown; Prophylactic measures.

Studies the dietary intake of indigenous peoples. In-depth look at the dietary transition from traditional foods to market foods; Evaluation of indigenous peoples' traditional diet; Examination of the negative effects associated with dietary transition.

Presents information on a calcium supplementation trial, which was conducted on prepubertal girls whose spontaneous calcium intake was below 900 milligrams per day. How these girls had greater increases in bone mineral density after they had been given additional calcium; Recommendation that the Adequate Intake (AI) of calcium for American and Canadian children should be increased to 1300 milligrams per day.

Evaluates the safety of some calcium supplements. Lead and aluminum contamination in calcium carbonate supplements labeled `oyster shell' and `natural source'; Comparison of lead concentrations in cow's milk and in seventy brands of supplements; Comparison of efficacy of calcium carbonate and chelated calcium.

Introduction: There is evidence that 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are lower in overweight and obese youth. This study examined the relationship between weight status and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, while controlling for confounders, in Canadian youth. Methods: Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D from subjects aged 6 to 17 years from the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycles 1 (2007 to 2009) and 2 (2009 to 2011) was used. Sex-specific multiple linear regression and logistic regressions examined the relationship of overweight and obesity (body mass index = 85th percentile) with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the odds of 25-hydroxyvitamin D <40 nmol/L and <50 nmol/L. Results: The prevalence of risk of vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 nmol/L) was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.26% to 10.12%). Vitamin D inadequacy, estimated by levels <40 nmol/L, was 15% (95% CI 10.34% to 20.39%; 19% [95% CI 13.1 to 25.6] for teenagers). Seventy per cent (95% CI 63.59 to 75.17) had levels >50 nmol/L, consistent with achieving the Recommended Dietary Allowance. In adjusted analyses, overweight/obesity (1/3 of subjects) was independently associated with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D for both sexes after adjustment for age, race, income, season, vitamin D supplementation and daily milk consumption. For 25-hydroxyvitamin D <40 nmol/L, the overweight/obese odds ratio for males was 2.63 (95% CI 1.34 to 5.18). For 25-hydroxyvitamin D <50 nmol/L, overweight/obese odds ratios were 2.19 (95% CI 1.46 to 3.28) for males and 1.39 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.84) for females. Conclusions: This study confirms the inverse association between adiposity and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Canadian youth and the independent association of overweight/obesity to 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and vitamin D status after adjustment for other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]