dairy sources, does increase bone mass in middle-aged and elderly women; it facilitates optimal peak bone mass earlier in life (Ji-Fan, Xi-He, Jian-Bin, Banoo, & Campbell, 1993).
Meunier (1993) also reports on the bone weakness and the prevention of hip fractures. The risk of hip fracture for the remaining lifetime of a 50-year old Caucasian woman is around 17 percent. Prevention of bone fragility is an important factor; optimization of peak bone mass during childhood, postmenopausal estrogen replacement, and reversal of senile secondary hyperparathyroidism contribute to bone strength. Secondary hyperparathyroidism results from vitamin D insufficiency and low calcium intake; it is shown to be preventable with supplements of both.
Bronner (1994) states that skeletal size and mass are genetically programmed, however optimum skeletal size is attainable with adequate nutrient supply such as calcium. Age-dependent decreases in skeletal mass begins in the third decade and cannot be arrested with calcium supplements alone. The decrease is caused primarily by age-dependent decreases in gonadal hormones; this drop is associated with sharp decreases in trabecular bone and slower decreases in cortical bone. The decrease for men is gradual. Gonadal hormones show the ability to slow the decrease in bone mass if calcium intake is adequate. Sol
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