ABSTRACT
Bone gained during childhood and the rate of bone loss later in life are considered important predictors for osteoporosis and fracture risk. Both exercise and nutrition are recognized as important, independent, modi„able lifestyle factors essential for optimal bone health during growth. Although the majority of pediatric exercise trials do not simultaneously evaluate the effect of calcium intake on bone response to exercise, there are several trials that were designed in this manner. The results of these trials indicate that the bene„cial skeletal effects of exercise may only occur with adequate calcium intake. This exercise-by-calcium intake interaction is important to consider when recommending lifestyle changes in either of these factors.
