Association between lean and fat mass and indicators of bone health in prepubertal caucasian children.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for bone growth. The independent association between lean and fat mass and indicators of bone health in children is not yet known. We aim to examine the association between each of lean and fat mass and indicators of bone health in 8- to 10-year-old prepubertal Caucasian children.

METHODS

We present a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the QUebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth (QUALITY) cohort which study the natural history of obesity. Study participants (n = 483) included prepubertal children aged 8-10 years and their biological parents. Whole-body bone mineral content (BMC, g), bone area (cm²), bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm²), lean mass (kg), and fat mass (kg) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data analyses include multiple linear regressions adjusted for potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

A 1-kg increase in lean mass was associated with 28.42 g, 19.88 cm², and 0.007 g/cm² increase in whole-body BMC, bone area and BMD respectively. A 1-kg increase in fat mass was associated with 9.32 g, 8.02 cm², and 0.002 g/cm² increase in whole-body BMC, bone area and BMD, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Increasing lean mass in children may help optimize bone acquisition and prevent future osteoporosis.