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Influence of birth size and body composition on bone mineral density in early adulthood: the PROGRAM study

R W J Leunissen1, T Stijnen, A M Boot

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Subdivision of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. r.leunissen@erasmusmc.nl

Clinical Endocrinology
|February 21, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Childhood weight gain, not birth size, significantly impacts adult bone mineral density (BMD). Postnatal growth is key for healthy bone development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining normal weight gain in children.

Area of Science:

  • Human Physiology
  • Bone Health
  • Metabolic Studies

Background:

  • Low bone mineral density (BMD) is linked to osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Factors influencing BMD require further investigation.
  • Understanding determinants of BMD is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine birth size, lean body mass (LBM), and fat mass (FM) as determinants of total body BMD (BMD(TB)) and lumbar spine BMD (BMD(LS)).
  • To compare BMD across different growth subgroups in young adults.

Main Methods:

  • The study analyzed data from 312 young adults (18-24 years) in the PROGRAM cohort.
  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure BMD(TB) and BMD(LS).
  • Subgroup analysis included individuals born small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) with varying statures.

Main Results:

  • Adult weight, LBM, FM, and childhood weight gain were positive determinants of BMD(TB) (adjusted R²=0.50).
  • Birth size did not influence BMD(TB) or BMD(LS).
  • Gender, adult weight, LBM, FM, and weight gain significantly determined BMD(LS); the idiopathic short stature (ISS) group had lower BMD(TB) than controls.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal growth does not significantly affect early adulthood BMD.
  • Postnatal growth, especially weight gain, and gender are primary determinants of BMD.
  • Promoting normal weight gain in children is recommended for achieving optimal adult BMD.
Abstract

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