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Kids' Bones Growing Brittle

Lack of milk, sun and exercise blamed for rickets and loss of bone mass

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 27, 2007 4:13 AM CST

(Newser) – Kids today break their arms more often than children did 40 years ago, and experts say it's because their bones are getting weaker, AP reports. A lack of milk, sunshine and exercise means many children aren't building adequate bone mass, and in extreme cases are developing bone-softening rickets, the scourge of the 19th century.

Changing lifestyles and the rise in childhood obesity are reducing bone mass during the years that will make all the difference later in life when adults can develop the fragile bones of osteoporosis. Almost half of peak bone mass develops when children are teens. "This potentially is a time-bomb," warned a health expert.

Studies show that children today break their bones more often that children did 40 years ago - something experts say is due to changing lifestyles.
Studies show that children today break their bones more often that children did 40 years ago - something experts say is due to changing lifestyles.   (Index Open)
Children's Medical Center employee Terry Wade, left, lines up others behind EmmaLee Duckworth, center, 5, to play in a game of kickball during a program at Children's Medical Center to help families with overweight children get healthier, Tuesday, March 6, 2007, in Dallas. The rise in obesity is thought to...
Children's Medical Center employee Terry Wade, left, lines up others behind EmmaLee Duckworth, center, 5, to play in a game of kickball during a program at Children's Medical Center to help families with...   (Associated Press)
Rickets was once thought to have been eliminated with the introduction of fortified milk, but in some areas it's making a comeback.
Rickets was once thought to have been eliminated with the introduction of fortified milk, but in some areas it's making a comeback.   (Getty Images)
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