Calcium-rich cereals don't boost bones

Giving children foods fortified (strengthened) with calcium to help build up their bones may be a waste of time, say experts.

The mineral is added to many breakfast cereals, snack bars and drinks as manufacturers woo (attract) the parental market.

But scientists have found that such products do not produce significantly stronger bones, nor do they reduce the chance of a child suffering fractures.

It is thought that calcium artificially added to food passes through the body too quickly to be properly absorbed and therefore fails to perform the same functions as foods which are naturally rich in calcium, such as milk, cheese and leafy green vegetables.

The trend for calcium-fortified foods followed doctors' warning that many youngsters are not having enough calcium naturally, in their diet.

It is now built into such things as breakfast bars, cereals, some orange juices and even a calcium-enriched water.

The theory is that if children build strong bones, it will protect them better against problems such as osteoporosis in later life. But the research casts doubt on the usefulness of such products. Experts analysed 19 studies where children aged between three and 19 were given extra calcium in their diet, in this way.

They then measured the impact by measuring their bone mineral density and mineral content. The team found few significant increases in bone mass and none in the two bones which are most vulnerable to fracture - the lower spine and upper part of the thigh.

A small impact was noted in bone density in the arm, but it cut the risk of fracture by just 0.2 per cent, according to the report published in the Cochrane Library. The influential publication is produced by the international health research organisation, the Cochrane Collaboration. Lead researcher Professor Frank R. Greer, of the University of Wisconsin, said the findings for children echo those seen in adult studies. "You can get some short-term improvements, but as soon as you stop the supplements, it goes right back to where it was", he said.

Professor Greer said that recommended guidelines for children are based on their daily calcium intake - not daily supplement intake.

"In fruits, vegetables and dairy products, the calcium is incorporated in the protein. If you absorb the calcium with the protein, you are going to absorb most of the calcium, rather than have it slip through the intestine and then be excreted (expelled from the body)", he said.

A spokesman for a leading cereal company said the company has fortified its cereals with vitamins and minerals for more than 50 years in an effort to help deficiencies in the diet. She said a normal serving of those targeted at children, typically provide 17 per cent of the recommended daily intake of calcium.

She also pointed out that cereals are a very good way of ensuring children drink milk, with the amount used normally per breakfast bowl providing half a child's recommended daily intake of calcium.

Daily Mail.

Cat that scared a bear

A bear quivers after being chased up a tree by a cat - twice.

The black beast had terrified families as it casually strolled around their back gardens in West Milford, New Jersey in the UK.

But tubby ginger tom Jack went straight for it and chased it up the tree.

Neighbours looked on as the terrified bear clung to an upper branch.

When it dared to come down, Jack started hissing and the terrified bear bolted up another tree.

After it finally fled, Jack celebrated by rubbing up against his owners to show off. It certainly beats a bear hug.

The Sun