Can calcium supplementation increase height?
Nov 18, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Whether calcium supplementation can increase height mainly depends on whether the epiphyseal growth plates have closed. To ensure health, calcium intake should always remain within reasonable limits regardless of age, and is best done under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist to avoid blind supplementation. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients and engaging in appropriate physical activity can promote healthy growth in children and adolescents.
Generally speaking, whether calcium supplementation can help increase height mainly depends on whether the epiphyseal line has closed. Calcium supplementation usually can contribute to height growth when the epiphyseal line is open; however, when the epiphyseal line has closed, calcium supplementation will not increase height. Detailed analysis is as follows:
The epiphyseal line is an important growth area of the bone, located at both ends of the long bones, and represents the boundary between cartilage and bone. During the growth and development phase of children and adolescents, the epiphyseal line continuously extends toward both ends of the bone, allowing the bones to grow longer and the height to increase accordingly. When the epiphyseal line remains open, calcium supplementation can provide the necessary calcium for bone growth, promoting the proliferation and differentiation of bone cells, thus supporting height growth.
With increasing age, the epiphyseal line gradually closes, with cartilage transforming into hard bone, and the rate of bone growth slows down or even stops. At this stage, even if additional calcium is supplied, it cannot promote further bone growth, as the epiphyseal line has already lost its capacity for growth. Therefore, when the epiphyseal line has closed, calcium supplementation will not increase height.
In daily life, calcium supplementation should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist to avoid blind supplementation. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet, taking in various nutrients, and engaging in appropriate physical activity can promote the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents.
