• Wendy Bounds, Jean Skinner, Betty Ruth Carruth, and Paula Ziegler.
• Department of Nutrition and Food Systems, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA. Wendy.Bounds@usm.edu
• J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 May 1; 105 (5): 735-41.

ObjectiveTo identify factors related to children's bone mineral indexes at age 8 years, and to assess bone mineral indexes in the same children at ages 6 and 8 years.DesignBone mineral content (BMC [g]) and bone mineral density (BMD; calculated as g/cm 2 ) were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in children and their mothers when the children were 8 years of age. A subset of children had an earlier DEXA assessment at age 6 years. Children's dietary intake, height, weight, and level of sedentary activity were assessed as part of a longitudinal study from ages 2 months to 8 years.Subjects/SettingFifty-two healthy white children (25 male, 27 female) and their mothers. Main outcome measures Children's total BMC and BMD at age 8 years.Statistical Analyses PerformedCorrelations and stepwise multiple regression analyses.ResultsFactors positively related to children's BMC at age 8 years included longitudinal intakes (ages 2 to 8 years) of protein, phosphorus, vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, energy, and iron; height; weight; and age ( P < or = .05). Factors positively related to children's BMD at age 8 years included longitudinal intakes of protein and magnesium ( P < or = .05). Female sex was negatively associated with BMC and BMD at age 8 years ( P < or = .05). Children's bone mineral indexes at ages 6 and 8 years were strongly correlated ( r =0.86, P < .0001 for BMC; r =0.92, P <.0001 for BMD).ConclusionsBecause many nutrients are related to bone health, children should consume a varied and nutrient-dense diet.

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