Why are the tween years critical

It takes calcium to build strong bones. So calcium is especially important during the tween and teen years, when bones are growing their fastest.

Boys and girls in these age groups have calcium needs that they can’t make up for later in life. In fact, by the time teens finish their growth spurts around age 17, 90 percent of their adult bone mass is established.

Unfortunately, fewer than one in ten girls and only one in four boys ages 9 to 13 are at or above their adequate intake of calcium.This lack of calcium has a big impact on bones and teeth.

Calcium is critical for lifelong bone health.
Calcium is critical for teeth.

More Milk Matters - Sources of Calcium
In addition to low-fat or fat-free milk, there are a lot of ways for tweens and teens to get the calcium they need each day. Learn more about sources of calcium.