A new position statement from the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) gives clinicians evidence-based guidance and provides a national implementation strategy to help children and adolescents achieve optimal bone health—aka—peak bone mass, early in life. According to the February 9, 2016 news release, this work is the first systematic review of its kind. The research team found “strong evidence supporting a positive effect of calcium intake and physical activity on bone accumulation and growth. The article, recently published in the journal Osteoporosis International, highlights nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle factors involved in developing optimal peak bone mass.”
“With osteoporosis and low bone mass responsible for two million broken bones every year, we’ve identified achieving peak bone mass as a key strategy to preventing fractures for future generations, ” said Connie Weaver, Ph.D., Department of Nutritional Sciences, Women’s Global Health Institute, Purdue University. “Bone mass, density and strength, all factors associated with fracture in children and adults, are largely influenced by lifestyle factors. Our goal in releasing this position statement is to help implement a national strategy to prevent fractures and protect against osteoporosis by highlighting known nutrition and lifestyle changes that can be made to achieve peak bone mass.”
“According to the report, the best evidence points to the positive effects of calcium intake and physical activity, especially during the late childhood and peripubertal years—a critical period for bone building. Good evidence also supports the positive role of vitamin D and a detrimental effect of carbonated soft drink consumption in building bone. Despite the initial results, more rigorous trial data is needed to identify the effect of many other lifestyle choices on peak bone mass. Developing implementation strategies for the lifestyle modifications needed to promote peak bone mass and strength development within one’s genetic potential requires a multi-sectored approach.”
“We’ve long considered calcium intake and exercise to be critical factors for achieving and maintaining healthy bones and are pleased to see the first systematic review of the science behind peak bone mass validates our approach, ” said Amy Porter, executive director and CEO, National Osteoporosis Foundation. “With osteoporosis and low bone mass currently affecting 54 million Americans and only expected to grow as the population ages, we look forward to developing an implementation strategy to help individuals optimize their bone development and growth as it’s a critical factor in preventing the rising toll of this debilitating disease.”
Dr. Weaver told OTW, “The former position statement on building peak bone mass sponsored by NOF in 2000 was outdated and needed updated using modern approaches and including newer data.”
“There is now stronger evidence that supports good diet and being physically active play important roles in developing healthy bones that resist fracture.”
