The calcium consumption in Poland is too low and in some social groups reach up to 50% of recommended amounts only. The result of calcium shortage among adults is osteopenia or osteoporosis. The aim of the work was estimation of influence of Polish soldiers' daily food ration supplementation with 600 mg calcium on the mineralization status of the bones within 6 months. The calcium was delivered in the orange-tangerine nectar. Total of 203 young men serving in the air cavalry units underwent the examination. Based on the densitometric examinations of bones calcification it was found that half-year lasting supplementation profitably influenced on the bones density of examined soldiers. Significant increase of number of soldiers indicating standard bones density from 19,6% in the service beginning up to 37,3% after 6 months was found. At the same time number of soldiers indicating bones mineralization typical for osteopenia considerably decreased from 74,5% down to 49%.

Instytut Higieny i Epidemiologii Warszawa

Influence of juice/nectar supplemented with calcium consumption on mineral bone density of soldiers serving military service in air cavalry units

Grant č. Nr 1/N-B/2002 Coca-Cola Poland Services

Lit.: 17