Calcium: Nutrient in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Bone health is important to health and quality of life. It is important to optimize bone health throughout life cycle. Adolescence is a transitional journey from childhood to adult life along with physical development. This may be considered as physical, psychological and emotional rebirth. Nutrition in adolescence has preventive role related to diet causing chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. Diet and physical factors play a major role in promoting bone health, which begins in childhood and continues into old age. Calcium and protein in the diet with sunlight exposure and weight bearing exercises are important for building the peak bone mass in adolescents. Calcium as nutrient in adolescence is critical for prevention of osteoporosis and improving quality of life.