Due to the escalating incidence of osteoporosis, awareness has increased regarding the loss of bone later in life, however, very little attention has been given to the other half of the equation; gaining bone during the growing years. Approximately 90% of bone is laid down by age 17 and only another 10% can be added up to age 30 (1). To this end, The National Institute of Child and Human Development is now calling osteoporosis "a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences." This means that the stage for osteoporosis is set by the quality of bone in childhood. Lack of adequate nutrition reduces the chances of putting bone in the bank for later in life.
The importance of calcium intake early in life, in order to obtain peak bone density, is crucial for preventing osteoporosis later in life. From birth to puberty, skeletal growth increases by sevenfold and another threefold during adolescence (2). However, it is estimated that between the ages of 9 and 19, only 19% of girls and 52% of boys have adequate calcium intake (3). Furthermore, the increase in junk food and soft drink consumption (up 500% since the 1950s) causes calcium to be pulled out of the body leading to an even greater risk of bone loss (4). We are already seeing the effects as frequent fractures and the incidence of rickets has returned among teens and children (5).
Supplementation makes a difference. A study done on identical twins showed that the twin who had been supplemented pre-puberty with calcium had higher bone density than the other twin, who was supplemented post puberty and could not catch up (6). A study of girls aged 12 to 16 who were supplemented with 500mg/day of organic chelated calcium had a 14% increase in bone density in comparison to those who were not supplemented. The gains were lost when supplementation was discontinued emphasizing the need for continual supplementation. It is estimated that for every 5% increase in bone mass, the risk of fracture decreases by 40% (7)! Lifelong calcium intake has a much greater effect on preventing osteoporosis than supplementation later in life.
Many co-factors besides calcium are necessary to develop good bone. Magnesium and calcium work hand in hand to ensure that calcium crystals are formed properly in the bone. Vitamin A aids in bone formation and vitamin D improves the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus for bone formation. B vitamins are needed to utilize nutrients from food and vitamin C is essential for making and crosslinking structural proteins in bone (8).
Osteoporosis can be thought of as a childhood disease with old-age outcomes.
I recommend a specific high quality, liquid multivitamin supplement for children that provides the necessary building blocks as discussed above to focus on proper growth and development, as we cannot go back and correct this later in life. A liquid supplement allows for maximum absorption of nutrients. Young children's digestive systems are not fully developed, so it is very difficult for them to absorb the vitamins contained in tablets or chewable vitamins. The correct liquid supplement should contain minerals that are chelated to organic compounds because their absorption is 2 to 2.5 times higher in this form. It should also be blended with digestive herbs in an all-natural fruit juice base to ensure proper stomach acidity and to maximize the absorption of the nutrients contained. It should be guaranteed to contain no pesticide residues (no safe levels for children have ever been established), lead contamination (70% of calcium products on the market may contain this neurotoxic contaminant), preservatives, chemicals, food colouring or added sugar. These additives can cause a variety of health problems over the short and long term; don't trust any product that has not been tested! A liquid supplement that has been manufactured in a germ-free environment and then vacuum sealed so none of the ingredients can be oxidized, avoids these problems. Build bone today with a liquid supplement that provides the nutrients that will put children at the least risk for osteoporosis in the future.
Resources:
1. The National Institute of Child and Human Development
2. Peacock, Munro. Calcium Absorption efficiency and calcium requirements in children and adolescents. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1991(54): 261S-5S.
3. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/milk/whycal/enough_cal.cfm
4. Appleton, Jeremy. Sugary Drinks Linked to Obesity in Kids. Healthnotes Newswire, 2001.
5. http://www.soundmedicine.iu.edu/archive/2002/mystery/kids_calcium.html
6. Nutrition Reviews, Vol. 52, No. 7 p. 222
7. Lloyd, Tom et al. Calcium Supplementation and bone mineral density in adolescent girls. JAMA 1993; 270(7): 841-844.
8. Gaby. Alan. Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis. Prima Health, 1994.
About Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink
Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Registered Midwife. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree with Distinction in Physical Education through the University of Saskatchewan and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.), with a postgraduate specialization in Midwifery, from Bastyr University. She is recognized across Canada as the first licensed Naturopathic Physician also practicing as a Registered Midwife. She is a member of the B.C.N.A., the C.N.P. of B.C., and the C.N.A., and an instructor of Obstetrics and Pediatrics at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.
by Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink
