Browsing by Author "Landgren, Anneli"

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    The role of early nutrition on bone development in children
    (2020-04-24) Landgren, Anneli; University of Gothenburg / Institute of Medicine; Göteborgs universitet / Institutionen för medicin
    Title: The role of early nutrition on bone development in children. Master thesis, Programme in Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, 2019. Authors: Anneli Landgren, medical student, Jovanna Dahlgren MD, Professor in pediatric endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden. Background: Alterations in fetal and postnatal nutrition may have long-term effects on bone status. Omega-3 fatty acids (FA, n-3) are believed to promote bone accrual, while omega-6 FA (n-6) are believed to promote bone resorption. A balanced n-6:n-3 ratio in infancy may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Bone development can be estimated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) measuring mineral density (BMD) and with bone formation markers such as osteocalcin and N-terminal propeptides of type 1 collagen (P1NP). Aims: To investigate the role of infant nutrition on bone development during infancy and childhood by evaluating the correlation between infant fatty acids, infant bone formation markers and BMD in 8-year-olds, and compare the outcomes between breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Methods: Between year 2008 and 2009, blood samples were collected from 398 infants at Halmstad hospital, Sweden. Breast-feeding habits during the first year of life were recorded. Lumbar spine BMD was determined in 167 of the children at age 8 years. Results: Breast-fed had higher serum osteocalcin and n-3 FA, but lower n-6 FA at 4 months of age compared to formula-fed infants. No FA correlated with osteocalcin after adjusting for confounders. BMD did not differ between feeding groups and was not associated with infant FA or bone markers after adjusting for confounders. Girls had significantly higher BMD than boys. Unsurprisingly, weight and gender predicted BMD in the multiple regression analysis. Conclusions: Breast feeding is important for osteocalcin and FA pattern with high n-3, but does not have long-term effects on BMD.