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In fact, calcium supplements do help to grow because they increase the bone mass and the strength of the bone. If calcium supplements and calcium enriched food are used in the right way, it is possible to increase one’ s height. But it is only during a certain period.
If you are a male, the growth spurt is until 20 to 21, whereas for females it is until 18 years of age.
Contrary to the advertisement, older adults do not gain from consuming such supplements.
For women, it is encouraged to take calcium supplements in appropriate doses, because, as we know, we are protected from osteoporosis as long as we menstruate. However, we would head towards osteoporosis upon hitting menopause if we do not have enough bone density.
Are these supplements a total myth?
To a certain level, I would say
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yes. Once you’ ve already hit maturity and you’ ve reached your maximum growth spurt, this supplement can’ t help increase the height to make you taller.
Taking an overdose of calcium can also cause other complications such as kidney stones which can be problematic.
In addition to these, the supplements itself is not labelled as calcium tablets but growth vitamins – raising doubt as to what the contents are.
For those who wish to be endowed with an extra couple of centimetres compared to their peers, may well understand that supplements may help if you’ re in your growing age additionally to exercise, good genes whether your parents are tall or short and daily food intake which also plays a crucial role. Vitamin D and vitamin E also helps in the development of the metabolism of the cells that promote growth.
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BY DR MARIEANNE SUNDRAM |
However, you are not going to grow any taller by taking these supplements once you’ ve reached your maximum growth spurt.
Stretching exercises and yoga are also believed to add one to two centimetres, as it emphasises on muscle growth while making you leaner. But, that is how far you would get from those exercises.
As for older adults, especially women who have hit menopause, the bones are brittle and the posture tend to bend forward – which makes them look shorter. This again is caused by a lack of calcium in the system.
Once a woman reaches this point, medications to help the body absorb the calcium is required rather than mere calcium supplements alone.
Dr Marieanne Sundram is a family medicine specialist with Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur.
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“ As for older adults, especially women who have hit menopause, the bones are brittle and the posture tend to bend forward – which makes them look shorter. This again is caused by a lack of calcium in the system.” |