Influences on Skeletal Health and Bone Mineralization in Children

Bone is in its most active formation phase of mineralization in the pediatric and adolescent population. Peak bone mass is achieved around the late teens to early 20s. Deficient bone mineralization and decreased peak bone mass acquisition predispose an individual to childhood fractures or lifelong fracture risk. Adolescent fragility or stress fractures should prompt a secondary evaluation for the causes of a low bone mineral content, the root of a fracture. The purpose of this article is to review published literature that discusses the risk factors associated with a decreased bone mineral content in children from birth to the age of peak bone mass. The article also includes a public health planning model for pediatric osteoporosis.