Discovering effect of dairy intake on bone health of children

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Created On: 21/11/2024

This 12-month cluster-randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis explored how milk supplementation impacts bone growth in children.

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Key take away

Daily milk intake improves bone health in kids, especially in the forearms, offering a strategic boost to bone development in young children.

Background

This 12-month cluster-randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis explored how milk supplementation impacts bone growth in children.

Method

In this study, 315 children (aged 4-6 years) were divided into two groups. The study group received 390 ml of milk daily, while the control group received 20-30 g of bread. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone-associated biomarkers in the limbs were measured at the start, six months, and twelve months. A meta-analysis was also conducted to review the effects of dairy on bone health in children aged 3-18 years across various randomized clinical studies.

Result

Among 278 children who completed the trial, those who drank milk witnessed significant increases in forearm BMD (4.05% at 6 months, 7.31% at 12 months) and BMC (4.69% at 6 months, 7.34% at 12 months), compared to the bread group. Betterment in calcaneus BMD (2.01%) and BMC (1.87%) were observed at six months but not at twelve months.

Milk supplementation also positively affected bone resorption markers and other bone-related indicators like parathyroid hormone (− 12.70%), insulin-like growth factor 1 (6.69%) and the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (2.22%). The meta-analysis of 894 children confirmed that dairy supplementation boosts BMD (SMD, 0.629) and BMC (SMD, 0.616) in the arms, though not in the legs.

Conclusion

Regular milk consumption markedly enhanced bone health in children's forearms, highlighting its value as an effective dietary intervention for promoting bone growth in young kids.