Studies on nutrition, body composition and bone mineralization in healthy 8-yr-olds in an urban Swedish community

Background: The incidence of welfare diseases including overweight in childhood is increasing worldwide. The results from a study of healthy pre-school children showed that in a population with well educated parents 17% of the children were overweight or obese at the age of 4 years. Gender differences in metabolic profiles and correlations between food intake and anthropometry motivated a follow-up study at the age of 8 years. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate nutritional intake, bone mineralization and metabolic markers in a group of healthy 8-year-olds and relate these parameters to body composition, growth, socio-economic variables, physical activity and health. Subjects & Methods: Ninety-two, previously examined children, accepted participation and an additional 28 children were included. A 24-hour dietary recall was performed. Questionnaires on food choice, health, physical activity and socioeconomic variables were used. Anthropometry was measured and bone mineralization and body composition were assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood samples were obtained for analysis of metabolic markers. Results: The population was representative of that in Sweden except that more parents held a university degree. Seventeen % of the children were overweight. Glucose, HOMA-index and leptin differed by gender despite no difference in anthropometry. Leptin was the best marker for overweight. Serum concentration of vitamin D was low (