October 6, 2015

Rep. Candice S. Miller

48701 Van Dyke Rd
Shelby Charter Township, MI 48317

Dear Representative Candice Miller:

As a concerned student and future Registered Dietitian, I would like to call to your
attention the lack of calcium consumption in Americans 2 years of age and older.
Calcium is required for vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle function, nerve
transmission, and bone and teeth support and function.
Peak bone mass is established between 10 and 20 years of age. After peak bone mass is
reached, you will begin to gradually lose bone; this begins at around age 40. It’s very
important during puberty and young adulthood to consume the recommended amount of
calcium to prevent disease and injury later in life.
In America, total calcium intakes are low in several age groups. Females aged 4 years
and older (especially adolescent girls and postmenopausal women) and males aged 9 to
18 years and older than 51 years. Inadequate calcium intakes cause osteopenia, which if
untreated can lead to osteoporosis. Calcium deficient diets are also linked to the risk of
bone fractures, obesity, colon cancer, postpartum depression, kidney stone formation and
polycystic ovary disease.
Bill No. A03083, sponsored by Robinson, is titled as An act to amend the agriculture and
markets law and the education law, in relation to establishing the New York calcium
purchasing preference initiative. The purpose is to ensure the purchasing agents give
preference to calcium fortified foods and beverages over non-fortified products in all
public institutions.
I am asking you to take the following actions:
1. Vote yes to Bill No. A03083 and provide Michigan with the same bill.
2. Provide calcium fortified foods and vegetables with high calcium content, such as
broccoli and kale, to public schools in Michigan; due to the fact that peak bone mass
occurs between ages 10 and 20.
These changes will positively affect not only my community, but the nation as a whole.
As leaders, we need to use our knowledge and skills to take action to help prevent
disease.

Best regards,

Alyssa Garvin, Student

18265 Kandt
Macomb, MI 48044