When we talk about osteoporosis, we usually mean brittle bones in the elderly.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAR), predisposition to osteoporosis appears in childhood and early adolescence.

Therefore, the organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining bone health in childhood.

Researchers from the AAR published their latest data in the journal Pediatrics. They offer pediatricians new strategies for maintaining bone health in children. According to scientists, osteoporosis is one of the main causes of disability and economic losses in the world. By 2020, approximately 50% of Americans over the age of 50 will have increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Although it has always been thought that this condition is an ordinary companion to aging, today medical experts say that osteoporosis sneaks up to us even in childhood. Now it becomes obvious that preventive measures should be taken as soon as possible.

American scientists argue that a significant set of bone mass at an early age can be considered "the most important modifiable health factor of bones in the future".

Approximately 99% of the calcium reserves in the human body are contained in the bone tissue. Although bone tissue begins to form during pregnancy, the mineral content in the bones increases 40 times from birth to adult growth. The peak of bone mass is at the end of the second decade of life.

About 70% of the variability of bone mass is due to genetic factors, but researchers note that there are important modifiable factors that affect bone mass:.

• The use of calcium, vitamin D and proteins.

• The use of carbonated water and sodium.

•Physical activity.

•Bad habits.

• Hormonal status.

• Body weight Scientists claim that the consumption of milk in childhood is associated with bone mineral density and the risk of fractures in the future. The more milk the child drinks, the lower the risk of problems with bones in adulthood.

Children should consume more calcium and vitamin D.

To further study the factor of bone health in childhood, AAR experts analyzed the development of bone tissue at different periods of human life and formulated recommendations for pediatricians and parents.

A few facts about osteoporosis:.

• Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by loss of bone mass.

• In the case of osteoporosis, the risk of fractures is increased, which can occur even with insignificant strains.

• Risk factors for osteoporosis include: female sex, white race, calcium deficiency, asthenic physique Scientists claim that the main food for young children should be breast milk or milk formula, but mother's milk is preferable. During the first year of life, milk and dairy products are the source of calcium No. 1, which accounts for 70-80% of the intake of this mineral.

Based on the results of their research, AAR experts recommend pediatricians to promote the use of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D - predominantly low-fat yogurt and low-fat milk.

The US Institute of Medicine proposes to increase the top recommended dose of vitamin D - AAP agrees - but both organizations do not support universal mandatory screening of children for vitamin D deficiency. Instead, American scientists propose to introduce a random test for vitamin D deficiency in children with repeated fractures or diseases that can lead to the loss of bone mineral density.

In addition, modern children need to move much more and sit less in front of television or video games - this way of life is associated with obesity and loss of bone strength. Parents should encourage outdoor games, running, dancing and biking.

In their report, AAP experts note that the routine administration of calcium and vitamin D preparations to healthy children is not justified. Instead, it is quite enough calcium-rich diet and a long stay on the street. By the way, last year the medical edition of The Lancet reported that supplements with vitamin D do not prevent osteoporosis.

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