Tibial bone responses to 6-month calcium and vitamin D supplementation in young male jockeys: A randomised controlled trial.

This research study investigated whether calcium and vitamin D supplementation could improve bone health in young male jockeys, who often compromise their bone health due to restrictive diets and intense physical activity. The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled research revealed a significant improvement in bone health in young jockeys after taking calcium and vitamin D supplements for six months.

Overview of the Study

• The study focused on young male jockeys who undergo intensive physical activities and follow restrictive diets which could potentially jeopardize their bone health.
• The researchers conducted a random double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial over a 6-month period. The aim was to determine if supplementing the diet of these young athletes with calcium and vitamin D could result in improved bone health.
• Two matched groups of weight, height, and age were created in the study. The supplement group received 800mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily, while the placebo group received cellulose.

Tools for Measurement and Findings

• An equipment known as Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT) was used to measure the properties of tibial bone, focusing on both the ultra-distal (4%) and proximal (66%) regions, at the start and end of the trial.
• Moreover, the researchers examined blood-borne markers related to bone turnover – P1NP and CTX – and the concentration of vitamin D.
• After making allowances for other confounding variables like height, weight and initial bone measurements, the results showed that by the end of the six months, the group receiving the supplement had better bone health at the 66% proximal site. This included several attributes such as cortical content, cortical area, cortical density, and total area.
• Additionally, blood analysis results displayed a higher level of vitamin D and lower levels of CTx in the group given the supplement, though no significant difference was noted in P1NP.

Conclusions of the Study

• The study, a pioneer in investigating the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation in improving bone health in weight-restricted young athletes, has found promising results.
• The results obtained from the pQCT measurements indicated beneficial effects of the supplementation on bone health within a six-month duration.
• While the number of participants in this research trial was small, the intervention strategy of supplementing calcium and vitamin D appears promising for enhancing bone health in young athletes participating in weight-restricted sports.