Bones are the framework for a child’s growing body. And the connection between bone health and muscle health cannot be overlooked, as musculoskeletal health is critical for all aspects of life.  

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Clinical Report on Optimizing Bone Health in Children and Adolescents acknowledges bone health attained in early childhood is the most modifiable determinant of lifelong skeletal health.  

The health habits children build early in life can make or literally break their bones as they age. The more bone mass created during childhood and adolescence, the greater the chance of preventing osteoporosis and related injuries later in life. The good news is that dairy foods provide more bone-building nutrients than any other food group. In childhood and adolescence, protein plays a key role in bone mass acquisition and dairy foods are a key source of high-quality protein in the diet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health and Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating dairy foods daily to achieve peak bone mass.  

Banking on Strong Bones: The Role of Calcium,
Vitamin D and Dairy During Childhood 

By Pediatric Dietitian Nutritionist Jill Castle, MS, RDN 

Bones are the framework for a child’s growing body. And the connection between bone health and muscle health cannot be overlooked, as musculoskeletal health is critical for all aspects of life.  

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Clinical Report on Optimizing Bone Health in Children and Adolescents acknowledges bone health attained in early childhood is the most modifiable determinant of lifelong skeletal health.  

The health habits children build early in life can make or literally break their bones as they age. The more bone mass created during childhood and adolescence, the greater the chance of preventing osteoporosis and related injuries later in life. The good news is that dairy foods provide more bone-building nutrients than any other food group. In childhood and adolescence, protein plays a key role in bone mass acquisition and dairy foods are a key source of high-quality protein in the diet.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institutes of Health and Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating dairy foods daily to achieve peak bone mass.  

Banking on Strong Bones: The Role of Calcium,
Vitamin D and Dairy During Childhood 

By Pediatric Dietitian Nutritionist Jill Castle, MS, RDN