Body composition and intake of nutrients associated with bone metabolism in young adolescents in a peri-urban setting

  • M Fourie University of Pretoria
  • G J Gericke University of Pretoria
  • M C Kruger Massey University
Keywords: body composition, bone mineral content, preadolescent children, vitamin D status

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to describe the anthropometry, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), dietary calcium intake and 25(OH)D3 levels in 11- and 12-year-old children in a peri-urban area.

Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study in the quantitative domain was undertaken.

Setting: Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, South Africa.

Subjects: Children, conveniently selected, were assessed in two groups. The first group comprised 70 children. From the 70 children, 20 children were conveniently selected to form a sub-sample (n = 20).

Outcome measures: Anthropometric data (weight, height) and dietary data (three quantified multi-pass 24-hour recalls). Children in the sub-sample additionally underwent body composition assessment (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; DXA scan) and a finger prick for 25(OH)D3.

Results: BMI and body composition data (body fat mass and lean fat mass) showed that the girls exceeded the boys in all measurements. The girls had a non-significantly higher BMD and BMC than the boys. The mean and median values for 25(OH)D3 were lower than the reference range values. Dietary intake results showed that the children had a sufficient macronutrient intake, but a deficient intake of calcium, phosphate and vitamin D. The sub-sample had a mean vitamin D intake of 3.2 mcg.

Conclusion: The girls exceeded the boys in all the anthropometric and body composition measurements. The calcium and vitamin D intake of the children were of concern. There were no significant differences or relationships in the bone measurements and vitamin D status between the boys and girls.

The full article is available at https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2018.1487614

Author Biographies

M Fourie, University of Pretoria

Department of Human Nutrition, School of Health Care Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

G J Gericke, University of Pretoria

Department of Human Nutrition, School of Health Care Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

M C Kruger, Massey University

School of Food and Nutrition, Massey Institute of Food Science and Technology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Published
2019-12-04
How to Cite
Fourie, M., Gericke, G., & Kruger, M. (2019). Body composition and intake of nutrients associated with bone metabolism in young adolescents in a peri-urban setting. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 32(4), 12-19. Retrieved from http://sajcn.redbricklibrary.com/index.php/SAJCN/article/view/1440
Section
Original Research