Early Prevention of Osteoporosis

OSTEOPOROSIS
Most people think of osteoporosis (bone loss) is a disease of older people. Even though people usually lose bone mass because it is old, the amount of bone growth that occurs during childhood and adolescence, an equally important factor in the development of osteoporosis. That's what experts said the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at a conference on osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and therapy March 2000.
Healthy bones begin in childhood
Bones grow in size in childhood, in size and strength. The amount of bone mass you get when you are young determines your skeletal health for the rest of your life. The more bone mass after adolescence have, the more protection you have against the later loss of bone mass.
Childhood is critical to the development of lifestyle habits to support good bone health. Cigarette smoking often starts in childhood. It has a damaging effect on reaching the peak bone mass.
Good nutrition is important for normal growth. Like all tissues, bones, a balanced diet, adequate calories and nutrients it needs appropriate, such as calcium. But not everyone follows a diet that is best for bone health. For example, recommends that the Federal Government Department of medicine, a calcium intake for children aged 9 to 17 years 1,300 mg / day (800 mg / day for children ages 3 to 8 years). However, only about 25% of boys and 10% of girls in this age group a diet that meets these recommendations.
Calcium is the most important nutrient for attaining peak bone mass. It prevents and treats osteoporosis. The body needs vitamin D absorb calcium effectively. Most infants and young children in the U.S. enough vitamin D from fortified milk. But young people not to consume as many dairy products. You may not get enough vitamin D. Diet and fasting, may be too thin to harm nutrition and bone health. Teens who diet may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Risk Factors
Several groups of children and adolescents are at risk for poor bone health, including:

    * Premature infants and infants with low birth weight, have lower than expected bone mass in the first months of life.
    * Children who take medication, such as steroids to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma.
    * Children who have cystic fibrosis, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients properly.
    * Young girls, the minimal, delayed or irregular menstrual cycles are due to strenuous athletic training, emotional stress or low body weight.
    * Children with cerebral palsy and other conditions that limit physical activity, especially those who chronically take drugs to control seizures.

Prevention
Many more studies on how to peak bone mass in girls and boys need to maximize. Parents and children can benefit from the following suggestions:

    * Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout your life.
    * Move around regularly with resistance and high-impact activities.
    * Eat a healthy diet and follow a healthy lifestyle.