Fruit May Boost Bone Health In Young Girls

Osteoporosis is a major health problem that is growing in importance as the population ages. It is thought that augmenting bone mass during adolescence is useful in preventing osteoporosis since this stage may be the last chance to substantially increase bone mass before skeletal consolidation. Although Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is affected by many factors, nutrition is considered especially important because it can be modified. Minerals Make a Difference.

Researchers in Northern Ireland recently conducted a study to determine whether usual fruit and vegetable intakes reported by adolescents have any influence on BMD. In the study, a random sample of 12-year-old boys and girls, and 15-year-old boys and girls were evaluated for BMD in the heel and forearm, and fruit and vegetable intake.

Researchers found that 12-year-old girls who consumed high amounts of fruit had considerably higher heel BMD than moderate fruit consumers did. No other associations were observed between fruit intake and forearm BMD, or between vegetable intake and either forearm or heel BMD. High fruit intake may be important for bone health in girls; however, additional studies are required to confirm the findings of this observational study.

For more information on pediatric health, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/pediatrics .

Reference : McGartland CP, Robson PJ, Murray LJ, et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and bone mineral density: the Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , 2004; 80(4):1019-1023.

  August 26, 2005