Some parents may think that giving their children calcium supplements can boost their peak bone mass (achieved about age 18) and reduce their fracture risk later in life. But a new study that reviewed the findings from 19 clinical trials on calcium supplementation and bone health doesn’t support that idea. The investigators found that children who took calcium supplements showed only small improvements in bone mineral density—changes unlikely to reduce the risk of fractures as they get older. Although calcium supplements did produce a slight increase in bone density in the arms, they had no effect on areas at greater risk for fracture in later years, such as the hip and lower spine. According to the researchers, a better approach to building strong bones in children may be to encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables. (British Medical Journal)