We originally suggested that calcium in the diet is important in determining the amount of
bone (bone mass) that builds up in young adults. We are testing the effect of calcium on bone
mass in 354 Caucasian (white) girls. At the start of this 7-year study, the average age of
the girls was 11 years, and they had not yet reached puberty. The study will also provide
information about the effect of calcium on body composition (body fat) and blood pressure in
young women.
We have been giving calcium to one group of participants in this study and giving a placebo
(an inactive pill, or "sugar pill") to the other group. The results of this research will be
important in preventing osteoporosis, because building more bone as a young person should
reduce a woman's chances of developing osteoporosis later in life.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Ohio State University
Collaborator:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)