Efficacy of a Once Daily Calcium and Vitamin D Fortified Food Product to Improve Bone Microarchitecture

The primary objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial is to determine the efficacy of a once per day calcium (1000mg) and vitamin D (1000IU) fortified food product on bone turnover markers, including parathyroid hormone (PTH) and microarchitecture during Army basic military training (BCT). The investigators hypothesize that consumption of a once daily calcium and vitamin D fortified food product will stabilize PTH and contribute to improved bone microarchitecture compared to placebo. The results will determine the efficacy of daily supplementation with calcium and vitamin D on bone turnover markers as well as provide novel data regarding microarchitectural changes during BCT as assessed by high resolution peripheral computed tomography (HRpQCT) scanning.