Bone health in children

"This book provides a rational basis for understanding how to ensure adequate bone health in children. It discusses the recommended dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D in pediatric health as well as appropriate sources of these nutrients. The text presents information on the maintenance and improvement of bone health in children and adolescents. Chapters cover peak bone mass and prevention of bone loss diseases; bone formation; nutritional needs for calcium and vitamin D based on age; additional key nutrients needed for healthy bones; exercise and management of chronic illnesses; genetics and bone health; and future directions towards targeted dietary recommendations"-- "Introduction Parents and caregivers have many concerns about their children's physical and emotional well-being when they are trying to raise healthy children. Parental concern for the potential development of osteoporosis when their children become elderly is probably not a priority during childhood. Yet, just as we now understand that heart disease and diabetes are among a whole host of adult diseases, which have their origins in childhood, we recognize that this is also true for bone health. Maintaining bone health in childhood affects our bodies both during childhood and later in life. Furthermore, establishing healthy eating patterns that will prevent osteoporosis and optimize bone health contributes to overall good nutrition; and is, therefore, a lifelong goal. Our intent in this book is to explore the recent decades of research and public commentary, as well as the mythology about bone health in children. We will address the components of bone, such as calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. A discussion on the factors that affect these components, including vitamin D and exercise, are provided as try to separate some of the myths from the realities. At times, we will expand our discussion beyond bone issues to consider interrelated issues in pediatric nutrition. Bones are connected to the rest of the body; therefore, what children eat is not defined by just one organ system. We believe it is inappropriate to feed children based on one organ system, whether it is the heart, the bones, or even the brain. There are always choices to be made about diet, and any dietary plan must consider what is known about how foods affect each of these organ systems"--