Controversy continues over the relationship between calcium intake and bone density in women. Epidemiological evidence does not strongly support the conclusion that high levels of dietary calcium during the postmenopausal years influence the extent or rate of bone loss. Dietary calcium in the growing years may be a determinant of peak adult bone density attained at maturity. Experimental trials do not appear to support the contention that calcium supplementation will restore lost bone in healthy or osteoporotic postmenopausal women. However, an increased calcium intake to an optimal individual level may slow the rate of bone loss in postmenopausal women. The cross-sectional and controlled investigations regarding the relationship between calcium intake and bone density will be discussed in this review.
