The Bone health

Bone health begins early in life-in fact, it begins in the fetal stage, when good maternal nutrition helps optimize the development of the baby's skeleton.

Childhood and adolescence are crucial times for bone development. It is during this period that both the size and strength of our bones increase significantly. About half of our bone mass builds up during adolescence, and a quarter develops during the two-year period when the fastest growth occurs. The process continues until mid-20s.

While genetics will determine up to 80% of the variability of individual peak bone mass, factors such as nutritional intake and physical activity will help the child achieve optimal bone strength.

This is beneficial later in adulthood, as there is more bone reserve to draw upon. Unlike in youth, adults cannot replace bone as quickly as they lose it. It is believed that a 10% increase in maximum bone mineral density (a measure of bone strength) could delay the development of osteoporosis by 13 years.

The calcium and protein requirements of young people between the ages of 9 and 18 are higher. The peak age for bone development is 14 in boys and 12 in girls.

Milk and other dairy products provide most of the dietary calcium intake for children 2 years and older. While calcium is a vital nutrient for bone development during this stage of life, children are consuming less milk than 10 years ago and are leaning towards sweetened beverages. This trend needs to be reversed and children encouraged to drink more milk.

Young people also need enough protein to reach their genetic potential for peak bone mass. Studies have shown a positive link between children who received extra portions of milk in their diets, which contains high levels of protein, and increases in a growth factor that improves bone formation.