July/August 2006
HEALTH BYTES

Mothers' diets can build kids' bones

A recent study found that mothers who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to have children with lower bone mineral density, a risk factor in osteoporosis and increased incidence of fracture later in life. The study involved a nine-year follow up of 198 children whose mothers had been evaluated for their nutritional status during pregnancy. Researchers found a link between lower blood levels of vitamin D in late pregnancy and having children with reduced bone mineral content and density at nine years of age. Children of mothers who took vitamin D supplements showed significantly greater bone mineral content.

Lancet, January 2006