Comment on recent reports about challenges with children’s bone health

A recent report, Dairy Gap, is said to warn that children might not be getting the right balance of foods and activity for good bone development.

News articles reporting on Dairy Gap suggest that less than a fifth of parents are taking steps to provide the recommended nutrients for their children’s bone health.

Bone health is important at every stage of life but recent research* by the national charity, the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), has shown that only 28% of parents (of children aged 18 or under) have ever had a conversation with their family about how to maintain healthy bones.

It also shows that whilst 85% of parents realise that calcium is important for bone health, only half realise that vitamin D is another essential nutrient for bones.

Additionally, 35% of the parents who took part in the ROS survey said that they had exercised less during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could suggest that families overall have been less active.

A rapid evidence review commissioned by Public Health England (PHE) and the ROS in January, highlighted the importance of specific types and intensity of exercise that children specifically need to maximise their muscle and bone development. The research revealed that impact sports like gymnastics and dance, or team games like football and netball, are particularly effective for building strong bones.

Sarah Leyland, Clinical Advisor at the ROS said,

“It’s never too early - or too late - to start taking action for your bones. Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and become vulnerable to breaking more easily, but there are things we can all do throughout our lives to help prevent it.

“A healthy balanced diet with adequate calcium, getting enough vitamin D and both weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise are key for good bone health. Impact sports in children and young people can be particularly beneficial.”

A new initiative from the ROS charity has been developed to help people make good choices for their bones when it comes to diet and lifestyle – the Bone Health Accreditation Scheme. Whenever consumers see their ‘Bone Health Approved’ logo on a product or service, they can feel confident that the product they are buying does what it claims to do for bone health.

Notes to editors

*Polling sample size was 2082 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st - 22nd April 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).