Bone Health In Children: Impact Of Malnutrition And Vitamin D Deficiency

It isn’t a secret that children’s health should be the top priority as these growing years prepare your health for the future. In these years, their bone development plays a crucial role. It is not only important for their physical health but also for preventing bone-related issues in future. If a child doesn't get the right nutrition or enough vitamin D, it can harm their bone health. We spoke to our expert Dr Satish Reddy Hashampalli, Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Apollo Cradle & Children Hospital, Marathahalli, Bengaluru, who explained how these factors affect children's bones and strategies for prevention and treatment.

What Is The Role of Nutrition in Bone Health

Dr Hashampalli said, “What a child eats is really important for keeping their bones healthy as they grow. Our bones are not static and are continuously being remodelled. The old bone tissue gets replaced by a new one. Hence, it is important to get adequate nutrition, especially during childhood and adolescence for strong bone formation. Two of the major nutrients responsible for your bone health are calcium and vitamin D.”

Calcium

Dr Hashampalli added, “This mineral is responsible for creating the strong structure of our bones. It helps in keeping our bones dense and strong. Hence, children should get enough calcium to help them grow and develop. Therefore, choose to eat foods like dairy products, leafy greens, fortified cereals, and nuts as they are rich in calcium.”

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in helping our bodies absorb calcium from the intestines. If a child doesn't get enough vitamin D, it doesn't matter how much calcium they eat; their body won't be able to use it properly for healthy bones. We can get vitamin D from sunlight and foods like milk and cereals. According to a study published in Elsevier, 65% of malnourished children are vitamin D deficient and the occurrence of rickets among kids suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition ranges from 12.9-36%.

Also Read: Unveiling The Secrets: What Happens To Your Bones As You Age?

Impact of Malnutrition on Bone Health

Dr Hashampalli said, “Malnutrition, which can result from insufficient intake of essential nutrients or poor absorption of nutrients, can have severe consequences for bone health in children.”

• Stunted Growth: Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth and development, which can affect the size and structure of your bones.
• Reduced Bone Density: Dr Hashampalli said, “Not getting enough important nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, can make your bones less dense. It can increase the risk of fractures and deformities.”
• Delayed Skeletal Development: Dr Hashampalli added, “Malnutrition can delay the development of the skeletal system, leading to skeletal abnormalities and problems with posture.”
• Increased Risk of Osteoporosis: Poor nutrition during childhood also puts you at a risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by fragile bones prone to fractures.

How Does Vitamin D Deficiency Affect Bone Health

Dr Hashampalli said that vitamin D deficiency is a common issue in children, particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure or in cases of inadequate dietary intake.

• Rickets: Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to a condition called rickets. Dr Hashampalli added, “It is characterised by weakened and deformed bones. Children with rickets may have bowed legs, a curved spine, and delayed motor development.”
• Decreased Calcium Absorption: Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot absorb calcium efficiently, which can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.
• Delayed Tooth Development: Vitamin D is also essential for the development of teeth. Its deficiency can result in delayed tooth eruption and enamel defects.

Bottomline

Dr Hashampalli concluded, “The effect of malnutrition and not getting enough vitamin D on a child's bone health is a big deal and can cause problems that last a long time. To make sure a child's bones grow well and stay healthy, they need to eat good food with plenty of calcium and vitamin D. It's also important for them to spend some time in the sun. If we catch any issues early and take action, we can prevent bone problems and keep kids healthy.”

[Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on a study and is shared by a registered healthcare professional. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert for a proper diagnosis and treatment.]