The role of bone health in low-velocity fractures and the effects of obesity on the growing skeleton

Abstract

Vitamin D insufficiency in pediatric patients is common. Low levels of vitamin D affects bone mineralization, and in growing children, affects bone formation. This effect on overall bone health places children with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency at risk for low velocity fractures. Counseling pediatric patients on adequate vitamin D and calcium supplementation can decrease long term bone health deficits and lead to improved health status as adults. In addition, obesity rates continue to increase in children. Obesity has direct effects on bone metabolism that negatively impact growing skeletons. Refined definitions for obesity will help prevent labeling patients inappropriately as obese, but also allow physicians to counsel children and their parents on the long-term risks that obesity plays on both bone health and overall health.