We have reported that bone mineralization at 1 y of age correlates with the age infants started walking, weight, height and calcium intake during infancy. It is unknown if this relationship extends to a later age. We hypothesized that bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in 3-5.5 y old children are affected by calcium intake at 6-12 mos of age. We evaluated total body BMC and BMD at 3-5.5 y of age in 41 healthy children previously fed one of 3 infant formulas containing different calcium contents (A=450, B=510, C=912 mg/L calcium) at 6-12 mos of age. BMC and BMD at 3-5.5 y of age were similar among the 3 study groups despite differences in calcium intake at 6-12 mos of age. BMC for A groups were (mean-+ SFM) 29.6 +- 0.7, 29.3 +- 0.6, and 29.6 +- 0.8 g/kg body weight, respectively. There were no significant correlations between BMC or BMD and previous calcium intake. BMC and BMD were positively correlated(p<0.001) with age, weight and height at bone evaluation, and negatively correlated (p<0.05) with the age subjects started walking. Thus, BMC and BMD of 3-3.5 y old children are influenced by the age infants started walking, and age, weight, and height at bone evaluation but not calcium intake levels at 6-12 mos of age. Supported by Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories.
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Lasekan, J., Specker, B., Neylan, M. et al. EARLY AGE OF WALKING, CALCIUM INTAKE DURING INFANCY AND BONE MINERALIZATION AT 3-5.5 YEARS OF AGE. † 714. Pediatr Res 39 (Suppl 4), 122 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199604001-00736
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199604001-00736