Bone quality in catch-up growth

Growth stunting is the most common effect of malnutrition. When malnutrition is resolved, catch-up growth occurs. Pando and colleagues explored the effect of food restriction and refeeding on bone structure and mechanical properties in rats. They found food restriction attenuated growth, reduced trabecular bone volume, reduced trabecular number, and increased trabecular separation. Mechanical testing demonstrated weaker and less compliant bones, which did not fully recover on refeeding. While catch-up growth led to an immediate increase in epiphyseal growth plate height and active bone remodelling, it was also associated with transient bone quality reduction. This should be taken into consideration when treating children undergoing catch-up growth.

Read the full article at Pando et al. (2014) Journal of Endocrinology 223 227–239. DOI:10.1530/JOE-14-0486