Bone Abstracts

The childhood and adolescent years represent a critical period for bone acquisition. Extrinsic factors such as diet and physical activity represent modifiable variables that may have a significant impact on a young adult’s peak bone mass. This lecture will consider dietary supplementation with specific nutrients as a strategy to augment bone density during the childhood and teenage years. An overview will be provided, as well as data reviewed from supplementation trials in the pediatric age group. Calcium and vitamin D will be discussed as traditional approaches to increase bone mass, as well as data from trials of vitamin K and magnesium, with discussion on these and other less common nutrients. Lastly, physical activity will be discussed as part of the skeletal therapeutic armamentarium for children and adolescents. Different types of activities will be reviewed (weight bearing vs not), as well as the use of vibrating plates for pediatric chronic disease groups. These platforms represent a unique means by which high frequency, low magnitude mechanical stimulation can be provided to change bone turnover to increase bone mass in children.

Declaration of interest: C Gordon has an advisory role in Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson.