Moreover, the study did not take into consideration the fact that certain persons are more at risk for later bone loss due to osteoporosis, because of frame size and genetic history (Caucasian and Asian women are at particular risk), or because they cannot take in enough calcium through normal food sources, due to lactose intolerance. Rather than attempting to prevent fractures later in life, after bone mass is already on the decline, it might be better for a nutritionist to stress the need to get enough calcium, early on, when bones are still being built. "At this time, the most effective treatment of osteoporosis is prevention. The stronger the bones are when people are young, the less likely they are to fracture easily later in life," and one preventative method is meeting the individual's daily calcium needs, along with weigh-bearing exercise, to aid in the development of bone mass. (Heinz, 1992) "The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, says everyone over the age of 8 needs at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day, and teens and seniors need even more (1,200 to 1,300 mg). Even people who regularly consume dairy products may not get enough calcium. For example, a glass of milk contains about 300 mg. So if you don't drink 3 or 4 cups of milk a day (or the equivalent), take 300 mg of calcium for every glass you fall short. Most multivitamins with minerals won't have...

Consumers who need calcium must take it separately. Seniors should consider a combination product with vitamin D as well as calcium." ("The Dietary Supplement Pyramid," 2006, CNC)
While one should not eschew the benefits of incorporating low-fat dairy products into a healthy diet, the potential obstacles for doing so are many -- fear of taking in too many calories with high-fat dairy foods, lactose intolerance, and the added needs during particular points in time during the individual's life, such as pregnancy or adolescence. Supplementation can provide a helpful way to ensure that bone development takes place for at-risk individuals during the most formative and important years of developing bone mass, before the crucial window of opportunity passes.

Works Cited

The Dietary Supplement Pyramid." (2006) Council for Responsible Nutrition Retrieved 18 May 2006 at http://www.crnusa.org/about_pyramid.html

Heinz, Agnes. (1 Aug 1992) "Osteoporosis." American Council on Science and Health. Retrieved 18 May 2006 at http://www.acsh.org/publications/pubID.864/pub_detail.asp

Study Shows Unexpected Outcomes for Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation." (15 Feb 2006) Press Release: Council for Responsible Nutrition. Retrieved 18 May 2006 at http://www.crnusa.org/prpdfs/PR06_WHI_CalciumVitD021506.pdf