Can a 17-year-old girl still grow taller by taking calcium supplements?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, whether a 17-year-old girl can still grow taller after taking calcium supplements depends on whether the epiphyseal plates have closed. If the epiphyseal plates have not yet fully closed, she may still grow taller; however, if they have already completely closed, further height increase is unlikely. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet during growth and development, consume more foods rich in protein and vitamins, and ensure adequate sleep to promote height growth.
Generally speaking, whether a 17-year-old girl can still grow taller by taking calcium supplements depends on whether her growth plates (epiphyseal lines) have closed. If the growth plates have not yet fully closed, she may still grow taller; however, if the growth plates have already completely fused, further height increase is unlikely. The specific analysis is as follows:
If medical examination reveals that the growth plates have not fully closed and the individual is still in the developmental stage, taking calcium supplements to ensure adequate calcium intake can support normal growth and development, thereby promoting height increase.
However, if development has progressed rapidly and the girl is already in the late stage of growth at age 17, and examination confirms that the growth plates have completely closed, additional calcium supplementation typically will not lead to increased height. Excessive intake may even cause calcium deposition and result in adverse effects.
It is recommended that during the growth and development period, individuals maintain a balanced diet, consume more foods rich in protein and vitamins, and ensure sufficient sleep, all of which can help promote height growth.
