Bone mineral density and calcium intake in primary schoolchildren of the southern region of Bashkortostan Republic

Aim. To study the bone mineral density and level of calcium intake in children aged 8 and 9 years living in the southern region of Bashkortostan republic. Methods. Bone mineral density was determined by quantitative ultrasound in 180 primary school pupils (86 boys and 94 girls), average age was 8,3±0,66 years. Physical development was assessed by body weight and height, calcium intake was evaluated, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium serum levels were assessed. Results. Results of quantitative ultrasound of radial bone in boys were slightly lower than the national standards determined for 8-9 years old children, while in girls and at quantitative ultrasound of tibial bone the results were within and even exceed normal ranges. At the same time, bone mineral density of M-1SD (radial + tibial bone) and lower was registered in 6,3% of boys and in 6,6% of girls. Body mass index was 16,54±0,24 kg/m 2 in urban pupils, 16,55±0,32 in rural pupils; 2,9% of rural and 17,9% of urban schoolchildren were underweight, 22,6 and 28,1% were overweight. Food calcium intake was characterized as moderate deficiency, only 11% of children took the recommended daily amount of calcium, their share was lower in the rural areas (7,2%) compared to urban (15%). The number of daily consumed dairy was 1,5-2,6 times below the age standards, with the average intake reaching only 26-39% of recommended. Insufficient calcium intake reflected in growth rates - the share of undersized children was lower in urban areas than in rural areas. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium serum levels were within the normal ranges. Calcium serum level was somewhat higher, and magnesium serum level - lower in boys compared to girls. Conclusion. Bone mineral density parameters in primary schoolchildren were within the normal ranges. Calcium food intake corresponds to 50-70% of the age norm.

bone mineral density, prepubertal age, calcium, physical development