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Posted October 25, 1999 Girls Sought for Nutrition Study A nutritionist at the University of Maine is seeking adolescent girls in the Bangor area to participate in a three-year study of calcium intake and bone mineralization. Susan Sullivan, assistant professor in the University of Maine Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Dr. Clifford Rosen, director of the Center for Osteoporosis Research and Education in Bangor, are conducting the study to determine how diet and the accumulation of calcium in bones vary between winter and summer. Previous research indicates that girls accumulate calcium in rapidly growing bones between the ages of 10 and 14, says Sullivan. “Up to half of the bone mass in females is achieved during those years. After that growth of bone mass levels off dramatically,” Sullivan says. Rosen has conducted research with elderly women and found that a loss of calcium in bones accelerates during the winter months. In the upcoming study, volunteers will receive an analysis of their diets relative to the latest nutritional standards. Twice a year, they will fill out questionnaires on diet, health and physical activity and have a simple blood test and measurement of bone density. They will receive $50 for each set of tests. The study is tentatively scheduled to start in March, 2000. The objectives of the study are to document seasonal bone growth and changes in density as well as intake of calcium and vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption. To be eligible, participants need to be between the ages of 9 and a half and ten and a half years old. They cannot take supplements, smoke, have an eating disorder or be planning winter vacations for longer than one week. Individuals can contact Sullivan at 207-581-3130. Return UMaine Today Research home |
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