Diary products have long been recommended for building strong bones in children. However, research is showing that dairy products are not the only modifiable dietary factor for optimal bone mineral content. Other minerals beside calcium are necessary for the maintenance of a sturdy bone matrix, including magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and boron. As well, vitamins D, K, A and C are required for normal bone metabolism. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(3):700-706) published an article examining intake of dairy products, fruits and vegetables, in relation to bone mineral content in adolescents
Subjects for this study were recruited from an ongoing Canadian study, the University of Saskatchewan Pediatric Bone Mineral Accrual Study (PBMAS). Participants included 85 boys and 67 girls aged 8-20 years. Dietary intake was assessed by serial 24 hr diet recalls, including any supplement usage, and then analyzed using software programs. Total-body bone mineral content (TBBMC) was measured each fall over the course of 7 years, while anthropometric measurements and physical activity were assessed every 6 months.
The results showed that vegetable and fruit intakes, calcium intake, and physical activity were significant independent environmental predictors of TBBMC in boys but not in girls. Unfortunately, <30% of the subjects obtained the recommended levels of fruits and vegetables in their overall diet. Researchers suggest that the association was not observed in girls due to underreporting of dietary intakes of all foods.
The authors explain the role of fruits in vegetables in bone health: "Bone mineral acts as a buffering base, and a lifetime of buffering the acid load from the ingestion of Western-type diets is believed to lead to bone loss. Fruit and vegetables provide organic salts of potassium and magnesium that have such a buffering effect. Another component found in vegetables is vitamin K, which is an essential cofactor for osteoblastic activity."
However, there is no fruit and vegetable equivalent to the Dairy Council.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on March 16, 2006 11:20 AM
