Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
[Bone mineralization in children with skeletal system abnormalities in relation to dietary intake of some nutrients]
Danuta Chlebna-Sokół1, Agnieszka Błaszczyk, Elzbieta Trafalska
1Klinika Propedeutyki Pediatrii, Instytutu Pediatrii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi. propedeutyka@alef.am.lodz.pl
Unlabelled:
The aim of this study was to give answers to questions: are some skeletal disorders connected with decreased mineralization and is there a coexistence with abnormalities in dietary intake of chosen nutrients.
Material And Methods:
The study comprised 74 children, aged 9.1-17 years. Disturbances in skeletal system, such as: scoliosis, multiple bone fractures, Scheurmann disease and thorax deformations were diagnosed in 36 of them (examined group). The remaining 38 healthy children became a reference group. Bone mineralization was evaluated by ultrasound examination of the calcaneous with Achilles Solo plus apparatus. Speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and automatically calculated Stiffness index were analysed. In all children nutritional intake of chosen nutrients was assessed by 3-day diet interview and performed with computer program FOOD3.1.
Results:
In the examined group the decrease of at least one of ultrasound parameters was observed in 22/36 patients, and in the reference group in 18/38; in sick children the mean relative values of Stiffness index and BUA were statistically significantly lower than in healthy ones. On the basis of DEXA examination, performed in children with skeletal disturbances, osteoporosis was diagnosed in 2 and osteopenia in 12. Such abnormalities in dietary intake of chosen nutritional compounds were found: significantly low vitamin D intake in all children, calcium deficiency in 61/74 subjects and also high natrium, potassium, phosphorus and protein consumption. In children with disturbances in the skeletal system mean natrium intake was higher than in the reference group.
Conclusions:
At the present stage of examinations, which are continued, there are no significant correlations between the mentioned above skeletal diseases and abnormalities in the diet. These abnormalities may lead to the decrease of bone mineralization not only in children with disorders in skeletal system, but also in healthy ones.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:02What is the Skeletal System?
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:18The Bone Matrix
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis