Postmenopausal bone density and milk consumption in childhood and adolescence

Am J Clin Nutr. 1985 Aug;42(2):270-4. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/42.2.270.

Abstract

Skeletal mass is a major determinant of susceptibility to osteoporotic fracture in menopause. At menopause, the skeletal mass is the resultant of the Peak Skeletal Mass (PSM) reached early adulthood minus the bone mass lost through the process of Adult Bone Loss (ABL). Current interventions for the maintenance of skeletal resilience in advanced age address the ABL peri- or postmenopausally. This study indicates that the effects of milk consumption in childhood and adolescence on bone density may manifest as higher bone density decades later in menopause. The assumed mechanism of the reported effect is through augmentation of the PSM, and acquisition of favorable nutritional habits which may influence the extent of ABL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent*
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Bone Development
  • Bone and Bones / anatomy & histology*
  • Calcium / physiology
  • Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menopause*
  • Middle Aged
  • Milk*
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Osteoporosis / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk

Substances

  • Calcium