Consumption of dairy products and bone mineral density:
A meta-analysis of dairy products and dietary calcium intake and how it affects bone mineral content (BMC, measures bone strength) in children reported that total body and lower back (lumbar spine) BMC were significantly increased (compared to placebo) in children with initially low calcium intake. Therefore, an increase in calcium intake translated to an increase of total and lumber spine BMC in children. (8)
Calcium supplementation by post-menopausal women:
Calcium supplementation (about 1 g/day) in postmenopausal women had a significant beneficial effect on bone density. This review examined 32 controlled trials of calcium supplementation with dose ranging from 700-2000 mg. Change in average annual bone mass or density was reported at -0.27% in the calcium group compared to -1.07% in the control group. Calcium supplemented at 700 mg were not effective. However, higher doses were not significantly more effective. Faster bone loss was reported at doses less than 1,150 compared to doses more than 1,350 mg. The benefical effect of calcium supplementation lasted for about 4 years. (1)