Early life and current determinants of bone in South African children of mixed ancestral origin

Background: The influence of early life factors on the bone mineral density of children has been identified, however the contribution of these determinants may vary.Aim: The study investigated determinants of bone mineral content (BMC) in South African children of mixed ancestral origin.Subjects and methods: Early life data including birth weight, maternal alcohol consumption and smoking during pregnancy were collected on 9-year-old children of mixed ancestral origin (n = 64). Grip strength was measured, and physical activity, housing density and dietary data were collected. Whole body BMC (WB BMC), fat-free soft tissue and fat tissue were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results: Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy was associated with WB BMC, however after adjusting for possible confounders, this was no longer significant. When combined with gender, gestational age and maternal BMC in a multiple regression, maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy could explain 20% of the va...