Most people think osteoporosis (loss of bone mass) is a disease
of the elderly. However, although people normally lose bone
mass as they age, the amount of bone growth that occurs during
childhood and adolescence is just as important a factor in developing
osteoporosis. That's what experts at the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) said at a conference on Osteoporosis Prevention,
Diagnosis and Therapy in March 2000.
Healthy Bones Begin in Childhood
Bones grow in size during childhood, gaining mass and strength.
The amount of bone mass you obtain while you are young determines
your skeletal health for the rest of your life. The more bone
mass you have after adolescence, the more protection you have
against losing bone mass later.
Childhood is critical for developing lifestyle habits that support
good bone health. Cigarette smoking often starts in childhood.
It has a harmful effect on reaching peak bone mass.
Good nutrition is vital for normal growth. Like all tissues,
bone needs a balanced diet, enough calories, and appropriate
nutrients, such as calcium. But not everyone follows a diet
that is best for bone health. For example, the federal government's
Institute of Medicine recommends a calcium intake for children
ages 9 to 17 years of 1,300 mg/day (800 mg/day for children
ages 3 to 8 years). However, only about 25% of boys and 10%
of girls in this age group have a diet that meets these recommendations.
Calcium is the most important nutrient for reaching peak bone
mass. It prevents and treats osteoporosis. The body requires
vitamin D to absorb calcium effectively. Most infants and young
children in the United States get enough vitamin D from fortified
milk. But adolescents don't consume as many dairy products.
They may not get adequate levels of vitamin D. Dieting and fasting
to be thin may harm nutrition and bone health. Teens who diet
may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Risk Factors
Several groups of children and adolescents are at risk for poor
bone health, including:
•
Premature infants and infants with low birth weight who
have lower than expected
bone mass in the first few months of life.
• Children who take medications such as steroids
to treat respiratory diseases
such as asthma.
• Children who have cystic fibrosis, celiac disease,
and inflammatory bowel disease.
These conditions make it difficult for the
body to absorb nutrients appropriately.
• Adolescent girls who have minimal, delayed or
irregular menstrual cycles because
of strenuous athletic training, emotional
stress, or low body weight.
• Children with cerebral palsy and other conditions
that place limits on physical
activity, especially those who take chronic
medications for seizure control. |
Prevention
Many more studies are needed on ways to maximize peak bone mass
in girls and boys. Parents and children alike can benefit from
following these suggestions:
•
Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D throughout
your life.
• Exercise regularly, using resistance and high-impact
activities.
• Eat a healthy diet and follow a healthy lifestyle. |
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