I remember hearing a long time ago about Basketball players temporarily getting shorter from the compression of the spine.
A more significant worry is that Calcium is taken from the bones to help the body perform certain functions.
So Calcium is important for kids and grownups. Protein prevents the absorption of Calcium (people in Africa who do not get much meat in their diet tend to absorb Calcium better).
As I recall, Broccoli has a lot of Calcium. And the rule I remember is that having protein 12 hours before or after taking calcium prevented absorbing as much.
Calcium pills might be a good supplement for Iraq Vets -- as the article seems to point to stress on the bone system, and giving the body more calcium might be a good thing...
I suspect better load distribution combined with strengthening the affected muscle groups would have more compensatory value than dietary supplements alone.
My unit had physicals after a Reforger exercise and nearly all were surprised that they were at least 1/4 inch shorter after schlepping crap for two months with minimal rest time. Fortunately all recovered after returning to normal duties.
But these complaints are nothing compared to the suffering so many endured during World War II. Those guys had the disadvantage of heavy weapons, even heavier ammunition and glorious bastards like Patton forcing them to nearly sprint with all of it across many miles of terrain.
And those who survived with merely an incremental loss in height would have considered that a blessing.