Children taking calcium supplements have only small improvements in bone density, unlikely to reduce fracture risk, says an Australian study. Scientists at the Menzies Research Institute say other approaches such as increasing vitamin D concentrations and eating more fruit and vegetables might be more beneficial than calcium supplements.

The researchers analyzed the findings of 19 different studies involving 2,859 children collectively ages 3 to 18. They included randomized trials of calcium supplementation in healthy children that lasted at least three months and that measured bone outcomes after at least six months of follow-up.

They found there was a small effect on total body bone mineral content and upper limb bone mineral density — children taking the supplements had a 1.7 percent better bone density in their upper limbs than children not taking the supplements.

However, there was no effect at important sites in the body for fracture in later life, according to the study published in the British Medical Journal.(UPI)