Bone Health
There are 206 bones in the human body. They are made of a mineral matrix, largely calcium, phosphate and protein.
Bones grow rapidly during childhood and adolescence. In fact the skeleton increases in mass seven fold between birth and puberty and a further three fold during adolescence.
Peak bone mass and strength increases in childhood reaching a maximum in early adulthood. As childhood and the teen years are when bones are growing the most, it is important to make sure children and adolescents get plenty of calcium every day. However, adults also need plenty of calcium to help slow the loss of bone mineral and strength that occurs naturally with ageing.
Milk is rich in both calcium and phosphorus. It also provides high quality protein and a range of other vitamins and minerals. These are essential for bones and teeth.
Note: references are available on request.
Development of Normal Bone Mass
Adapted from Heaney et al 2000.8