Vitamin A Nutritional Status Is a Key Determinant of Bone Mass in Children

The bone mass increases that occur during the period of childhood are of great significance for maximizing the peak bone mass in adults and preventing for osteoporosis. Studies have reported that VA can improve the bone health in adults. Moreover, limited studies have assessed such associations in children. In this cross-sectional study including 426 children, we assessed the children's plasma retinol concentration by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the dietary intake of VA and carotenoids using a structured Food Frequency Questionnaire. Their bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After adjusting for potential confounders, the restricted cubic spline revealed an inverted U-shaped association between plasma retinol concentration and BMD; the estimated effects on the TBLH BMD per mu mol/L increase in the plasma retinol concentration were 1.79 x 10(-2) g/cm(2) below 1.24 mu mol/L and -5.78 x 10(-3) g/cm(2) above this point (p for non-linearity = 0.046). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between the plasma retinol concentration and the TBLH BMC (beta = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.64 x 10(-1)-3.62, p = 0.032). In conclusion, an appropriate plasma retinol concentration and greater intakes of dietary VA and beta-carotene may enhance the bone mineral status of children who are aged 6-9 years.

Automated summary

The bone mass changes that occur during childhood play a crucial role in maximizing peak bone mass and preventing osteoporosis in adulthood. This study found that an appropriate plasma retinol concentration and higher intake of vitamin A and beta-carotene may improve bone mineral content in children aged 6-9 years.