Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) Metabolic/Inflammatory/Tumors Practice Exam

What dietary intake is advisable for teenage girls to help prevent osteoporosis?

1. Calcium intake of at least 1800 mg per day

2. Vitamin D from fish oils

3. High-protein diets

4. Lower carbohydrate intake

The correct answer is: Calcium intake of at least 1800 mg per day

To help prevent osteoporosis, it is vital for teenage girls to have an adequate dietary intake of calcium, as this mineral is essential for building strong bones during the critical period of bone growth in adolescence. The recommended daily intake of calcium for adolescent girls is at least 1300 mg, but targeting calcium intake of at least 1800 mg per day offers an extra buffer for optimal bone health, especially considering that bones reach peak density in late teens to early twenties. This is particularly important since osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk, can start developing in the teenage years if calcium intake is insufficient. Foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, should be emphasized in their diet. Ensuring adequate calcium intake during these formative years sets the foundation for lifelong bone health. While vitamin D is also crucial for calcium absorption, the focus here is specifically on bone-building minerals, making the high level of calcium the most direct answer for preventing osteoporosis. Other dietary approaches, such as balancing protein and carbohydrates, can support overall nutrition but do not provide the same targeted benefit for bone health as proper calcium intake does.