Childhood dairy intake strengthens kids' bones as teens

Washington, Aug 14 : Childhood dairy intake has a significant impact on the adolescent bone health, including bone density, bone mineral content, and bone area, according to a new study.

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine analysed data of 06 children, 3 to 5 years of age, at the beginning from Framingham Children's Study. The study was carried over a period of 12 years.

The families were given food diaries to complete for the child and were asked to record everything the child ate and drank for several days each year.

They found that the adolescents who had consumed 2 or more servings of dairy per day as children had higher levels of bone mineral content and bone density.

The average bone mineral content was 175 grams higher than the adolescents who had consumed less than 2 servings of dairy per day.

Furthermore, the researchers evaluated the combined effects of dairy and other foods consumed by the study participants.

"Children who consumed 2 or more servings of dairy and 4 ounces of meat or other non-dairy protein had bone mineral contents over 300 grams higher than those children with lower intakes of both dairy and other proteins," said lead researcher Dr. Lynn Moore, of Boston University School of Medicine

Moore points out that "dairy is a key source of proteins, calcium, and other micronutrients including phosphorus and vitamin D."

ANI