School-based nutrition interventions can improve bone health in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis is a major global health problem, and optimizing bone health during childhood and adolescence with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is a recommendation to prevent the disease. School milk programs may be a viable approach to help children and adolescents increase calcium and vitamin D intakes while improving their bone health. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted on school milk programs, including examination of details regarding these studies and their participants, and assessments of their effects on bone health in children and adolescents. RESULTS: Nearly all studies reviewed showed significant increases in the bone health behaviors and outcomes that were measured, such as bone mineral density, milk consumption, and calcium and vitamin D intake. CONCLUSIONS: School milk programs can be effective in improving bone health in children and adolescents, and public health policies should be considered to help support and fund effective programs that promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis in population health.