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Insights into bone metabolism from calcium kinetic studies in children

S A Abrams1

  • 1USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. sabrams@bcm.tcm.edu

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|October 22, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Skeleton mineralization rates in children are highest in premature infants and girls nearing menarche. These bone calcium deposition and removal rates change significantly during growth and puberty.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Skeletal physiology
  • Calcium metabolism

Background:

  • Skeletal mineralization is crucial for growth and development during childhood.
  • Factors influencing bone mineralization include genetics, race, gender, and hormonal/growth abnormalities.
  • Chronic illnesses can impact skeletal development in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate calcium kinetics and skeletal mineralization rates in healthy children.
  • To analyze age- and sex-specific changes in bone calcium deposition and removal.
  • To understand the impact of growth and pubertal development on skeletal health.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized multicompartmental studies with stable isotopes of calcium (oral and intravenous administration).
  • Collected multiple blood samples over time following isotope administration.
  • Employed indwelling catheters for feasible sample collection in older children.

Main Results:

  • Peak bone calcium deposition and removal rates were observed in girls during the year preceding menarche.
  • Kinetic rates showed an exponential decline after menarche.
  • Infants, particularly premature infants, exhibited the highest rates of bone calcium deposition and removal on a body-weight basis.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood skeletal mineralization rates vary significantly with growth and pubertal stages.
  • Adolescent girls experience peak bone calcium turnover before menarche.
  • Infants, especially premature ones, have the most rapid bone calcium dynamics.

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