Mothers with a healthy diet during pregnancy have children with stronger bones 
(29/10/2009)
Mothers with a healthy, well balanced diet during pregnancy have children with stronger bones, according to an study presented at the National Osteoporosis Society Conference. In contrast, mothers with poorer quality diets had children with smaller and less strong bones when measured 9 years after they were born.
"This is the first study to show that mothers can improve their child's bone development early on by consuming a good diet in the late stages of their pregnancy," said Dr Zoe Cole, study author from the University of Southampton. "We reach our peak bone mass around our mid twenties so it's vital that young people accrue strong bone before then."
Dr Cole's work, funded by arc, the National Osteoporosis Society, MRC and the University of Southampton forms part of a larger programme of research into the early life factors which influence osteoporosis risk, under the direction of Professor Cyrus Cooper at the MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre, University of Southampton. The group studied 198 pregnant women whose children were measured at birth and during infancy. The nutritional status of the mothers was recorded in early and late pregnancy using a validated food frequency questionnaire.
A statistical technique called "principal component analysis" was used to reveal the most common patterns of diet. Two main patterns emerged- Firstly, a healthier pattern, characterised by high intakes of foods such as fruit and vegetables, yoghurt, wholemeal bread and breakfast cereals (corresponding closely to recommendations from Department of Health). Secondly, a less healthy pattern comprising high intakes of foods like chips and roast potatoes, sugar, white bread, processed meat, crisps, tinned vegetables, and soft drinks was apparent. The children were followed up at age 9 years for an assessment of their bones.
Mothers who followed the more healthy pattern in late pregnancy had children with significantly increased bone size and density, thus with stronger bones. Children born to mothers with the healthiest diets had 11% greater bone calcium content and 8% great whole body bone area than those born to mothers who had the poorest patterns of dietary intake.
"Bone mass determines bone strength and studies suggest that a lower bone mass when we are young will affect bone fragility in later life," explained Dr Cole. "An unhealthy diet during pregnancy may have huge ramifications for the unborn child's future bone health."
Even when mothers were grouped by smoking status, vitamin D status and social class, their differences in diet still impacted on their children's bones. This relationship existed even when the child's height, weight, arm circumference and birth weight were considered.
"This work and further studies using the unique Southampton Women's Survey, will contribute greatly to our understanding of the importance of maternal diet and lifestyle for offspring bone health". Added Professor Cooper, Director of the MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre. "Ultimately, this study strengthens the Department of Health recommendations for maternal diet during pregnancy demonstrating a benefit for the child in addition to the mother."
The study received a Young Investigator Award at the National Osteoporosis Society Conference and also highlighted other factors which influenced bone health in children. Children who drank milk everyday or who played sport outside of school had greater bone strength than those who did not.
"This study shows the important role that healthy lifestyles can play in bone development, even before the child is born," said Nick Rijke, Director of Public and External Affairs for the National Osteoporosis Society. "That's why we are helping children to build stronger bones with the launch of our Bones4life website. It gives vital health messages to young people while their bone mass is still being built."
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Related categories: Children health and children safety Pregnancy
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