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Factors affecting bone density in young adults.
A M Fehily1, R J Coles, W D Evans
1Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Llandough Hospital, Penarth, South Glamorgan, UK.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Children who received a milk supplement showed higher adult bone mineral content and density. Adolescent sports activity and body weight were key factors influencing bone density in women.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition and Bone Health
- Longitudinal Growth and Development Studies
Background:
- Early childhood nutrition impacts long-term skeletal development.
- Previous studies suggest milk supplements may influence growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term effects of a childhood milk supplement on adult bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD).
- To identify factors influencing adult BMC and BMD in individuals who participated in a childhood intervention trial.
Main Methods:
- A 14-year follow-up of 581 children from a randomized controlled trial.
- Measurement of nondominant forearm BMC and BMD using single-photon absorptiometry in 371 participants (aged 20-23 years).
- Cross-sectional analysis and multiple linear regression to identify determinants of BMC and BMD.
Main Results:
- Adult BMC and BMD tended to be higher in the milk supplement intervention group.
- Bone mineral density was positively associated with body weight in both sexes.
- In women, adolescent sports activity and body weight were stronger predictors of BMD than dietary intake (calcium, vitamin D).
Conclusions:
- Childhood milk supplementation may have a positive long-term effect on adult bone health.
- Adolescent lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity and body weight, play a crucial role in determining adult bone density in women.