DETERMINANTS OF PEAK BONE MASS IN YOUNG-ADULT WOMEN - A REVIEW

In concluding this review on the prevention on bone mass throughout the life, it must be emphasized that we need to learn much more about improving the development, maintenance and efficiency of the musculoskeletal system of women during all stages of the life cycle, but especially during adolescence and early adulthood when the greatest gains can be obtained. Even during the adult and postmenopausal years of life, interventions can be effectively tailored to yield significant, but small, improvements in bone mass and reductions in fracture rates. Both dietary and exercise/strength modalities need to be explored, separately and in combination, to accomplish these potentially achievable goals of improved bone mass and reduced fracture rates. Dietary calcium intakes need to be around 800-1000 mg/day (or possibly more) from early adolescence to late life, and such intake levels greatly exceed the WHO recommendation of 400-500 mg/day. In addition, vitamin D intakes need to be adequate so that calcium absorption can be optimized by postmenopausal women. Finally, excessive intakes of animal protein and phosphorus by adult women may adversely affect calcium retention by the skeleton. © 1993 European Foundation for Osteoporosis.