Do ω-3 or other fatty acids influence the development of ‘growing pains’? A prebirth cohort study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess whether the prevalence of growing pains varies with indicators of fatty acid exposure. Growing pains (limb pains of no obvious explanation) have been shown to be strongly linked to a family history of arthritis, and are thought to predict an increased risk of the development of arthritis in adulthood. Much has been made of the possibility of fatty acids, particularly the ω-3 fatty acids, playing a preventive role in the development of arthritis, but little research has been undertaken to determine whether such fatty acids might reduce the risk of growing pains. We aimed to assess whether the prevalence of growing pains varies with indicators of fatty acid exposures.DesignCase–control study nested within a prospective longitudinal cohort comparing prenatal and postnatal diet, blood measures and variants in fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes that influence the metabolism of fatty acids. Statistical analysis took account of factors such as gender, smoke exposure, maternal age and education, social class and parity.SettingAvon Longitudinal Study of Parents & Children.ParticipantsAll children born between 1 April 1991 and 31 December 1992 (approximately14 000) within the Avon area (only that part of Avon under the South-West Regional Health Authority). This project compared 1676 children who reported ‘growing pains’ at age 8 with 6155 with no such pain.Primary outcomeReported limb pains of no apparent origin.ResultsThere was no indication that the affected children had diets that differed with regard to ω-3, plasma levels of fatty acids, or the FADS genetic variants. We also assessed fetal and infant exposure but neither maternal prenatal blood levels nor maternal dietary intake, or duration of breast feeding showed any significant relationships even after adjustment for confounders.ConclusionsThus, there is no evidence that ω-3 fatty acid status protects against the development of growing pains in childhood.

Perinatal Risk Factors and Genu Valgum Conducive to the Onset of Growing Pains in Early Childhood

“…In a Mediterranean population of children 3–12 years old the frequency of the disorder was 24.5% [4], while Oster found that 15% of school children have occasional limb pain [35]. In a very large British cohort study, but without applying Peterson’s criteria for GP assessment, the referred prevalence was 21.4% [14]. Overall, their prevalence varies from 2.6% to 49.4% [36].…”

“…Wang et al reported that very low birth weight infants had reduced bone mass at ages 5 to 10 years, even after adjustment for height, lean mass, or bone area [47], whereas in the same study, short gestation period was correlated with unfavorable skeletal health among prepubertal boys [47]. Predicated on the concept that vitamin D deficiency [12,13,14,15,16] and BMD [8] are key factors for the development of GPs, further research may reveal if the implication of perinatal risk factors in the bone metabolism process results in the onset of the disorder.…”

“…However, as there is no reliable and valid assessment tool testing hypermobility in children, the last hypothesis remains unproven [2]. Currently, many studies focus on the correlation of growing pains with bone density [8] and with factors affecting paediatric bone metabolism regarding serum levels of vitamin D or calcium [8] and omega-3 fatty acid intake [12,13,14,15,16]. The bone strength theory, which is closely related to the non-inflammatory pain syndrome theory, is based on the observation that the tibial bone density in children with GPs, as it was measured by quantitative ultrasound, was significantly reduced compared to healthy children [8].…”

Perinatal Risk Factors and Genu Valgum Conduce to the Onset of "Growing Pains" in Early Childhood

“…British cohort study, but without applying Peterson's criteria for GPs assessment, the referred prevalence was 21.4% [13]. Overall, their prevalence varies from 2.6 to 49.4% [33].…”

“…Furthermore, a twin family survey [10] provided evidence that GPs appear genetic susceptibility and present genetic association with Restless Leg Syndrome. Currently, many studies focus on the correlation of Growing pains with bone density [7] and with factors affecting paediatric bone metabolism regarding serum levels of vitamin D, or calcium [7] and ω-3 fatty acids intake [11][12][13][14][15]. The bone strength theory is based on the observation that the tibial bone density in children with GPs, as it was measured by quantitive ultrasound, was significantly reduced compared to healthy children [7].…”