In children, calcium is needed to build strong bones and teeth. Although bones stop growing in early adulthood, the need for calcium, especially in women, continues throughout life. This additional calcium provides a cushion against the normal losses of bone which occur with age. The mother, however, will suffer in the long term by using stored calcium which will be needed as she ages. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by bone loss, leaving the bones fragile and more likely to break.
Osteoporosis is a common condition.
As many as 24 million Americans, most of them women, are affected. Osteoporosis is about 8 times higher in women than men. Asian women are also thought to be at increased risk. A moderate amount of exercise seems to protect against osteo- porosis. If this cushion is not available at menopause, due to low calcium consumption, bones rapidly reach the point of fragileness.