[Bone mineralization in children with skeletal system abnormalities in relation to dietary intake of some nutrients].

The aim of this study was to give answers to questions: are some skeletal disorders connected with decreased mineralization and is there a coexistence with abnormalities in dietary intake of chosen nutrients.

METHODS

The study comprised 74 children, aged 9.1-17 years. Disturbances in skeletal system, such as: scoliosis, multiple bone fractures, Scheurmann disease and thorax deformations were diagnosed in 36 of them (examined group). The remaining 38 healthy children became a reference group. Bone mineralization was evaluated by ultrasound examination of the calcaneous with Achilles Solo plus apparatus. Speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and automatically calculated Stiffness index were analysed. In all children nutritional intake of chosen nutrients was assessed by 3-day diet interview and performed with computer program FOOD3.1.

RESULTS

In the examined group the decrease of at least one of ultrasound parameters was observed in 22/36 patients, and in the reference group in 18/38; in sick children the mean relative values of Stiffness index and BUA were statistically significantly lower than in healthy ones. On the basis of DEXA examination, performed in children with skeletal disturbances, osteoporosis was diagnosed in 2 and osteopenia in 12. Such abnormalities in dietary intake of chosen nutritional compounds were found: significantly low vitamin D intake in all children, calcium deficiency in 61/74 subjects and also high natrium, potassium, phosphorus and protein consumption. In children with disturbances in the skeletal system mean natrium intake was higher than in the reference group.

CONCLUSIONS

At the present stage of examinations, which are continued, there are no significant correlations between the mentioned above skeletal diseases and abnormalities in the diet. These abnormalities may lead to the decrease of bone mineralization not only in children with disorders in skeletal system, but also in healthy ones.