Teen Bone Health Quiz

The answer is true, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org). Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can help ensure strong bone mass, which is one of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis later in life.

Between the ages of 9 and 18, both girls and boys need 1,300 mg of calcium per day. This can be achieved by consuming 1 cup of calcium-fortified orange juice (350 mg), 3 slices of low-fat American cheese (312 mg), 8 ounces of plain low-fat yogurt (415 mg), and 1 cup of frozen boiled spinach (291 mg), according to figures from the National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov) and the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) (www.hsph.harvard.edu).

After age 19, the National Academy of Science recommends the following calcium intake:

• 1,000 mg/day for those ages 19 to 50;
• 1,200 mg/day for those ages 50 or over;
• 1,000 mg/day for pregnant or lactating adult women.

The answer appears to be yes., according to a Tufts University study, but additional research is needed to confirm the findings. The study, published in the October 2006 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that drinking cola—but not other carbonated soft drinks—is associated with lower bone density in women.

Colas also contain caffeine, which may adversely affect bone mass, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. There is some evidence, say HSPH experts, that drinking a lot of coffee (four or more cups per day) can increase the risk of fracture. This may be because caffeine tends to promote calcium excretion in urine, the experts note.

The answer is true. Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D alone isn't enough—young women and teenage girls also need to perform weight-bearing exercises, such as running, and resistance training exercises, such as strength training or Nautilus. What's more, eating calcium-rich foods is better than taking supplements, according to a recent study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers found that the body absorbs only about 35 percent of the calcium in pills but almost 100 percent of the nutrients in food.

The answer is true, according to a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that older women who were taking certain serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Lexapro and Prozac, for depression lost nearly twice as much bone density as those who were not on the prescription medicine. The researchers theorize that the drugs somehow affect the cells that oversee healthy bones, but further research is needed. If you or someone you know is taking an SSRI, however, always consult your doctor or other medical expert before stopping any medication.