Child Nutrition and Bone Health

Abstract

Nutrition is one of the modifiable factors that contributes to bone accrual during childhood and adolescence, a critical period to prevent adult osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D seem to be the most important nutrients for optimal bone growth. Requirements for calcium intake are different among countries and organizations, and exact recommendations are difficult to determine since other dietary factors directly affect calcium metabolism, such as salt intake and vitamin D levels. Some scientists have suggested that the actual calcium requirements are overestimated and that increased dairy intake does not necessarily translate to better bone health in adults. Moreover, calcium can be obtained from other natural foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (turnip greens, broccoli rabe, kale, broccoli, and cabbage), endive, sesame seeds, legumes, almonds, calcium-fortified vegetable beverages, and canned sardines. Vitamin D should be obtained from food combined with appropriate sun exposure, and if that is not enough, vitamin D supplements can be used. Diets comprised a complex combination of nutrients and foods, and dietary patterns in children and adolescents play a key role in bone formation. A dietary pattern that is high in vegetables and fruits and low in processed foods (containing large amounts of added sugar and salt) is necessary to achieve optimal bone formation. Finally, physical activity, particularly activities that apply large forces, is even more important than dietary factors to contribute to bone accrual.

Factors influencing the bone mineral density in Duroc boars

“…In agreement with previous studies [ 7 ], the data presented here confirm that BMD is associated with a number of variables, including serum Ca, P levels, age and backfat thickness. But line, body weight and serum Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Se, Pb, Cd levels had no effect on boar BMD.…”

“…It is among the strongest risk factors for skeletal fragility [ 6 ], and is also one of the main causes of leg weakness [ 3 ]. Several interrelated factors such as genetics, sex, age, diet, mineral homeostasis and physical activity are thought to be important in human bone [ 7 ]. Adipose tissue can influence bone size, BMD, bone mineral content (BMC) and bone microstructure in adolescents [ 7 , 8 ] and adults [ 9 ].…”

“…Several interrelated factors such as genetics, sex, age, diet, mineral homeostasis and physical activity are thought to be important in human bone [ 7 ]. Adipose tissue can influence bone size, BMD, bone mineral content (BMC) and bone microstructure in adolescents [ 7 , 8 ] and adults [ 9 ]. Surprisingly, few studies have been performed on BMD influencing factors in pigs.…”

Effect of Educational Intervention Based on Pender Health Promotion Model on Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors among Employed Women

“…These phases are particularly crucial for creating behaviours that can help avoid adult osteoporosis and for strengthening bones. Several modifiable factors, including diet and exercise, have an impact on bone health (Redondo-Cuevas, 2018).…”

“…Children, teenagers, and even foetuses should emphasise bone health throughout all stages of growth. These phases are crucial for creating behaviours that can help avoid osteoporosis in adults as well as for strengthening bones (Redondo Cuevas, 2018). Therefore, maintaining a wellbalanced lifestyle is critical for avoiding osteoporosis.…”