Protect Your Child's Bone Health

Photo: Schoolhouse Rock-

           Them Not-so-Dry Bones

              playrific.com

We know that new bone cells are constantly growing-newer ones are replacing weaker ones every few months. In fact, we get an entirely brand new skeleton about every 10 years.  So everything we let our children eat and and every activity we encourage them to engage in will contribute in a big way to their overall skeletal health.

We also know that as we age, we lose some of that bone density and strength. Its a lesser known fact that low bone density and osteoporosis are occurring more frequently in children and teens. Less active lifestyles; poor nutrition; and decreased exposure to the sun - an important source of vitamin D, which helps calcium absorption in the digestive tract- have all  made children more vulnerable to fractures and bone loss.  

In addition, research indicates that darker skinned children tend to be at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, due to their higher level of melanin in the skin. Melanin actually blocks absorption of sunlight, preventing the proper absorption & synthesis of vitamin D which can in turn affect bone health as well.

Other factors affecting bone development are metabolic & congenital disorders, medications, smoking (second-hand), kidney or neuro-muscular disease, bowl disorders, general poor diet/eating habits, and prolonged immobilization.

So how can you help protect your child's bones?

[This article and other nutrition related posts have been moved 

to our FoodLogique Blog. Please use the link to continue reading.]

Contact: 

bodylogique@yahoo.com

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