Bones are half protein and half mineral. The main protein is collagen, which is also found in cartilage. Feel the tip of your nose or your ear: they are made of flexible cartilage. That is what the bones would be like without any mineral. The major minerals are calcium and phosphate. If growing pre-teens and teenagers do not get enough calcium, the bones will not be as strong as they could be. Weak bones break more easily.
How much calcium is needed for strong bones?
Pre-teens and teenagers should get 1200 mg calcium each day. The following pages tell how much calcium is in foods and supplements. See if you are getting enough calcium!
