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n the USA, children over eight years not taking enough calcium, an element essential to healthy bones.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends doctors to pay more attention to the amount of calcium consumed by these children and encourage them to do more exercise.
Insufficient calcium intake in childhood increases the osteoporosis risk factor in adulthood, according to a report by the Academy published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
The weakening of bone associated with aging affects 10 million Americans, mostly elderly women. According to official data, osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures each year.
The number of fractures also appears to increase among adolescents, a phenomenon perhaps related to a diet low in calcium, and lack of exercise, which have already weakened their bones even if they do not suffer from osteoporosis, said Dr. Craig Langman, which deals with bone problems of children, the Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
"We should further recommend to pediatricians to think about bone health in the long term children. We have an important step in this direction," said Dr. Langman, who has not participated in the report.
