10 Factors that Affect Bone Health in Children

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Bone health in children is a crucial aspect of their well-being and development. Here's what you need to know about it.

10 Factors that Affect Bone Health in Children

Written and verified by the dermatologist Maria del Carmen Hernandez.

Last update: 26 October, 2023

Bone health in children is essential for proper growth and development. In fact, multiple factors can influence this stage of life. In this article, we’ll list the 10 most common factors that affect children’s bone health, including exercise, diet, genetic predisposition, disease, and other important aspects to consider.

Exploring the key factors that influence bone health in children

Bones play a crucial role in body structure, providing support, protection, and mobility. However, several factors can affect children’s bone health, and it’s important to be aware of them in order to take preventive measures and promote strong, healthy bones from an early age.

1. Exercise

Regular and adequate exercise is essential for bone development in children. The journal Pediatric Exercise Science explains that physical activity promotes new bone formation and strengthens bone density. Children should participate in activities such as running, jumping, sports, and outdoor play to promote a healthy skeletal system.

2. Genetic predisposition

Genetics plays an important role in children’s bone health. Some infants may have a genetic predisposition to have lower bone density or to develop certain bone diseases. It’s critical to consider family history and perform appropriate medical evaluations to identify potential risks.

3. Chronic diseases

Some chronic diseases, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and juvenile arthritis, can affect children and their bones. These conditions interfere with the absorption of nutrients needed for skeletal health or trigger an inflammatory process that could affect bone formation.

4. Hormonal deficiencies

Hormonal deficiencies, such as hypothyroidism or growth hormone deficiency, can negatively affect bone health in children. These conditions interfere with normal bone growth and development processes.

5. Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet plays a crucial role in children’s bone health. Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and other essential nutrients is critical for bone development and maintenance.

Calcium-rich foods include dairy, fish, leafy green vegetables, and fortified products. Vitamin D is found in sun exposure and in foods such as fatty fish and egg yolk. It’s important to note that according to an article published in the journal Pediatrics , routine calcium supplementation isn’t recommended for children

6. Medications

Some medications, such as corticosteroids or certain cancer treatments, can have a negative impact on bone health in children. These medications alter nutrient absorption or directly affect bone formation.

7. Tobacco and alcohol exposure

Smoking and drinking alcohol at an early age compromises bone development and health. A study by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism suggests that children of smoking parents have impaired bone health in adulthood.

8. Sedentary activities

Sedentary lifestyles and excessive time spent in sedentary activities, such as watching television or using electronic devices, can negatively affect children’s bone health. Prolonged time spent in these activities can reduce the amount of time spent in physical activity and affect bone development.

9. Trauma and injury

Injuries and bone fractures during childhood can have a lasting impact on bone health. It’s essential to prevent injuries and provide a safe environment for children, especially during sports or physical activities.

10. Environmental factors

Some environmental factors, such as exposure to high levels of pollution or lack of access to green space, can influence children’s bone health. These factors affect air quality and the availability of opportunities for outdoor physical activity.

Common bone disorders in children

In children, there are several bone disorders that can affect their health and development. Each of them requires proper medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Some of the most common are the following.

Bone fractures

These are common due to the level of physical activity and increased risk of falls and traumatic injuries. The most affected bones are usually the arms and legs.

Rickets

Rickets is a metabolic disease characterized by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. This deficiency adversely affects bone mineralization, resulting in weakened bones and skeletal deformities. It can also occur due to poor diet, lack of sun exposure, or absorption problems.

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Also known as “brittle bone disease,” this is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones and a predisposition to fracture, even under mild pressure or trauma.

Blount’s disease

Blount’s disease is a growth disturbance of the tibia (lower leg bone) that causes a leg deformity known as tibia vara. This condition is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the tibia, which can affect walking and cause leg alignment problems.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip

This is a malformation of the hip joint in which the head of the femur doesn’t fit into the acetabulum (hip socket). If left untreated, it can lead to disruption in the normal development of the joint and cause long-term problems.

If a bone disorder is suspected, it’s important to seek evaluation by a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

The importance of bone health in children

It’s important to provide children with a balanced diet, encourage regular physical activity, and take steps to prevent injury. In addition, proper medical evaluation and follow-up are critical in order to identify potential problems and address them in a timely manner. By taking care of children’s bone health, the foundation is laid for a healthy adult life with strong bones.