In a 15 year longitudinal study (Amsterdam Growth and Health Study) is evaluated the effect of daily calcium intake (CAI) during adolescence and young adulthood on the development of peak bone mass at age 27 when the influence of weight-bearing activity (WBA) and body weight was accounted for. A group of 84 males and 98 females were measured longitudinally from age 13 until age 28. Measurements were taken six times of anthropometric characteristics. Lifestyle was also evaluated six times by cross-check interviews of CAI and WBA. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine was determined at age 27 by dual x-ray absorption. Three periods were considered, that is, the adolescent period, the period 13-21 years, and the total period (13-27 years). In multiple linear regression analyses, only WBA and body weight were significant positive contributors to the final model of lumbar BMD at age 27. In all three periods WBA was the best predictor in males and body weight in females. ANOVA was performed on BMD and the highest and lowest quartiles of calcium intake with the significant predictor variables of the linear regression model as covariates. Again calcium intake appeared not a significant predictor of BMD in the three periods in both sexes. Regular weight-bearing exercise and at least a normal age-related body weight in adolescence and young adulthood are of key importance in reaching the highest lumbar peak bone mass at the age of 27 years.

In 83 males and 99 females, the relation between peak strain physical activity (PSPA) from 13 to 27 years and lumbar bone mineral density (LBMD) at age 27 was studied. Physical activity was measured longitudinally by an interview six times between ages 13 and 27. Peak strain scores based on ground reaction forces were developed to quantify all registrated activities for peak strain. LBMD was determined once at age 27. Four PSPA periods were considered: the teenage period (13–17 years), the period between 13 and 21 years, the adult period (21–27 years), and the total period (13–27 years). In multiple linear regression analyses, with body weight and gender as covariates, PSPA appeared to be a significant positive predictor for LBMD at age 27 in both males and females for all analyzed periods. The explained variance of PSPA for LBMD was the highest (25%) for the total period and the lowest (8%) for the teenage period.

No abstract

Men and women with higher fitness levels consumed diets that more closely approached national dietary recommendations than their lower fit peers.