How Important is Calcium for Growth?
It is widely known that bone mass and density are determined by a number of simultaneous factors such as heredity, hormones, physical activity, and certainly nutrition. Although genetic factors play an important role in growth and maximal bone development, adequate intake of bone nutrients represents a major factor for full expression of a given genetic potential and bone maintenance in adulthood. Among the various nutrients, calcium and vitamin D have been shown to be effective in maintaining normal bone growth and development in children and adolescents and in maintaining bone mineral loss in postmenopausal women.
Although dairy products are the best known dietary source of calcium, natural mineral water is also a potentially important source. Water is a major component of the human body and is involved in many bodily functions, including serving as a carrier of nutrients to reach biological fluids and a major vehicle for removing wastes and toxins. Because the body lacks water storage, it needs constant hydration to maintain water balance.
