Adequate Calcium Today

Improving Bone Health through a Targeted Behavioral Intervention

ACT is a national study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture whose objective is to develop a science-based program that aligns with education standards while raising awareness in youth regarding the importance of adequate calcium intake throughout life.

This national effort is taking place at the following field centers: University of Arizona, Ohio State University, University of Hawaii, University of California at San Francisco, Purdue University, University of S. Illinois at Carbondale, and the University of New Mexico at Las Cruces. The study is coordinated by Purdue University.

This targeted behavioral intervention is designed to improve calcium intake and bone health among Asian, Caucasian, and white Hispanic adolescents, which may reduce their risk for osteoporosis later in life. There is a great need for a study such as ACT since behavioral interventions that increase calcium intake and bone health in adolescents have not yet been established. Additionally, the influence of lactose maldigestion on calcium intakes is not well characterized in Hispanic and Asian adolescent populations. Similarly, bone development also has not been characterized in Hispanic and Asian adolescents. The results of the targeted behavioral intervention will form the basis for educational programs that will be used with youth in schools and in health care settings.

Objectives of ACT:

• Develop a calcium food frequency tool that measures intake among Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic adolescents.
• Identify adolescent motivators and barriers to consumption of calcium-rich foods.
• Identify variation in motivators and barriers to calcium intake by age, ethnicity and gender.

For More Information Contact:
Dr. Scott Going
University of Arizona
(520) 626-2639
going@u.arizona.edu