Studies Premature births and overweight babies have weakened bones in adulthood

Low birth weight babies need special nutrition to strengthen the bones
Premature births and very small babies are more likely to develop weaker bones later in life. Researchers came to this conclusion to examine how bone mass is trained in adults born with a low birth weight.

So-called premature babies or babies with a very low weight, generally require special care in the first months after birth. Scientists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim have now found in an investigation that babies born with very low birth weight tend to have weak bones later in life. The physicians published their findings at the European Congress of Endocrinology.

Preemies and babies with too low a weight usually have weak bones in later life as adults. Proper nutrition and exercise in childhood can counteract the situation. (Image: Tobilander / fotolia.com)

If the transmission of calcium is disturbed, weak bones develop
The last weeks of pregnancy are important for the bones of growing fetuses. During this time, much of the calcium is transferred from the mother to the child, to increase bone development, explain the doctors. If this transmission is disturbed or interrupted, affected babies may have weaker bones as adults. So far, few studies have measured bone mass in adults born with low birth weight, say the experts. Small babies who weigh little but were born at normal birth rates also had weaker bones, the researchers add.

This will help prevent your child from developing weak bones
The parents of affected children can counteract the weak bones by ensuring that their child is well-nourished and has enough exercise, the researchers explain. Our study shows that premature babies with a very low birth weight as well as especially young children later had lower bone mass compared to the control group, explains lead author Dr. Chandima Balasuriya from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. For such children, parents should make sure they are getting a diet that is high in calcium, vitamin D, and protein. In addition, sufferers should perform weight-bearing sports activities to reduce the risk of bone fractures later in life, adds Drs. Balasuriya added. (As)