Osteoporosis is a common problem in older adults, especially postmenopausal women. But studies show that it’s becoming an increasing problem in children now, too.
There are several factors to explain this phenomenon. Bone mass is affected by genetics, environment, use of certain medications, and the presence of other diseases.
Heredity and genetics accounts for about 80 per cent of an individual’s bone mineral density (BMD). Environment makes up the other 20 per cent. Nutrition and physical activity are the two key factors in a person’s environment affecting bone growth and development.
Getting the right amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus are especially important to building BMD in childhood and adolescence. Phosphorus is responsible for the weight of bone mineral. The more dense and heavier bones are, the less risk there is of fracture and bone loss. We get phosphorus from our diets.
Animal studies suggest that too much phosphate and not enough calcium can lead to osteoporosis. Children’s intake of phosphate increases through soft drinks. There is some evidence to suggest that too much phosphate is linked with increased fracture rates.
If a child gets enough calcium every day, then phosphate from a cola drink won’t have a negative effect. But when carbonated beverages replace daily intake of calcium from milk, then a problem can develop.