How does pediatric bone development influence osteoporosis later in life? 

The tween and teen years are critical for bone development because most bone mass accumulates during this time. 

In the years of peak skeletal growth, teenagers accumulate more than 25 percent of adult bone,3 and by the time 

teens finish their growth spurts around age 17, 90 percent of their adult bone mass is established. 

Calcium is critical to building bone mass for supporting physical activity throughout life, and for reducing the risk of 

bone fractures, especially those due to osteoporosis. The onset of osteoporosis later in life is influenced by two 

important factors: 

• Peak bone mass attained in the first two to three decades of life 

• The rate at which bone is lost in the later years 

Although the consequences of low calcium consumption may not be visible 

in childhood, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 

(NICHD) recognizes lack of calcium intake as a serious and growing threat to 

the health of young people later in life. At a time when they require more 

nutrients to feed their rapidly growing and developing bodies, tweens and 

teens who don’t get enough calcium are at increased risk for osteoporosis 

later in life. 

In the years 

o f p e a k s k e l e t a l 

g r o w t h , t e e n a g e r s 

accumulate more 

than 25 percent 

of adult bone. 3 

Why are milk and dairy products especially good sources of calcium? 

• Although calcium is found in a variety of foods, the 1994 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Statement 

on Optimal Calcium Intake designated dairy products as the preferred source of calcium because of their high 

calcium content.4 

• The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans also recommends milk and milk products as sources of dietary 

calcium based on studies that show a positive relationship between intake of milk and milk products and bone 

mineral content or bone mineral density in one or more skeletal sites.5 

• The NICHD has described low-fat or fat-free milk as the best source of calcium because it has high calcium 

content without added fat, and because the calcium is easily absorbed by the body. 

• Other foods, including dark green, leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, are also healthy dietary sources of 

calcium, but it takes many servings of these vegetables to get the same amount of calcium in 3 to 4 cups of milk. 

• In addition to calcium, milk provides other essential nutrients that are important for optimal bone health and 

development, including: 

- Vitamins D, A, and B12 - Phosphorous 

- Potassium - Riboflavin 

- Magnesium - Protein 

2 
What kind of milk is best for children? 

Children 1 to 2 years old should drink whole milk. 

After age 2, low-fat or fat-free milk should become the regular drink.6 Regardless of fat content, an 8-ounce glass of milk 

contains about 300 mg of calcium. 

What if children don’t like milk? 

If it is a question of taste, there are plenty of ways to get calcium into the diet: 

• Try flavored low-fat or fat-free milk, such as chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. Flavored milk has the same amount of 

calcium as plain milk. 

• Serve low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt smoothies. These can be made at home or there are ready-made versions 

available at many grocery stores. 

• In moderation, low-fat or fat-free ice cream and frozen yogurt are calcium-rich treats. 

• Serve non-milk sources of calcium, such as broccoli, spinach, or orange juice with added calcium. 

3