Calcium supplementation and bone mineral density in females from childhood to young adulthood: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Short-term studies established that calcium influences bone accretion during growth. Whether long-term supplementation influences bone accretion in young adults is not known. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the long-term effects of calcium supplementation on bone accretion among females from childhood to young adulthood. DESIGN: A 4-y randomized clinical trial recruited 354 females in pubertal stage 2 and optionally was extended for an additional 3 y. The mean dietary calcium intake of the participants over 7 y was approximately 830 mg/d; calcium-supplemented persons received an additional approximately 670 mg/d. Primary outcome variables were distal and proximal radius bone mineral density (BMD), total-body BMD (TBBMD), and metacarpal cortical indexes. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses of the primary outcomes indicated that calcium-supplementation effects vary over time. Follow-up univariate analyses indicated that all primary outcomes were significantly larger in the supplemented group than in the placebo group at the year 4 endpoint. However, at the year 7 endpoint, this effect vanished for TBBMD and distal radius BMD. Longitudinal models for TBBMD and proximal radius BMD, according to the time since menarche, showed a highly significant effect of supplementation during the pubertal growth spurt and a diminishing effect thereafter. Post hoc stratifications by compliance-adjusted total calcium intake and by final stature or metacarpal total cross-sectional area showed that calcium effects depend on compliance and body frame. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium supplementation significantly influenced bone accretion in young females during the pubertal growth spurt. By young adulthood, significant effects remained at metacarpals and at the forearm of tall persons, which indicated that the calcium requirement for growth is associated with skeletal size. These results may be important for both primary prevention of osteoporosis and prevention of bone fragility fractures during growth.     

Physical activity from childhood to adulthood: a 21-year tracking study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate stability of physical activity from childhood and adolescence to adulthood in multiple age cohorts, and analyze how well adult physical activity can be predicted by various physical activity variables measured in childhood and adolescence. METHODS: The data were drawn from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. The study was started in 1980, when cohorts of randomly sampled boys and girls aged 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 years (total of 2309 subjects) were examined for the first time. The measurements were repeated in 1983, 1986, 1989, 1992, and 2001. In 2001, the subjects (n =1563, 68%) were aged 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, and 39 years, respectively. Physical activity was measured by means of a short self-report questionnaire that was administered individually in connection with a medical examination. On the basis of a questionnaire, a physical activity index (PAI) was calculated. There were no significant differences in the 1980 PAI between participants and dropouts in 2001. RESULTS: Spearmans rank order correlation coefficients for the 21-year tracking period varied from 0.33 to 0.44 in males, and from 0.14 to 0.26 in females. At shorter time intervals the correlation was higher. On average, the tracking correlation was lower in females than in males. Persistent physical activity, defined as a score in the most active third of the PAI in two or three consecutive measurements, increased the odds that an individual would be active in adulthood. Odds ratios for 3-year continuous activity versus continuous inactivity varied from 4.30 to 7.10 in males and 2.90 to 5.60 in females. The corresponding odds ratios for 6-year persistence were 8.70 to 10.80 and 5.90 to 9.40. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that a high level of physical activity at ages 9 to 18, especially when continuous, significantly predicted a high level of adult physical activity. Although the correlations were low or moderate, we consider it important that school-age physical activity appears to influence adult physical activity, and through it, the public health of the general population.     

The development of bulimic symptoms from adolescence to young adulthood in females and males: A population-based longitudinal cohort study

Objective:

To investigate age‐related trends in bulimic symptoms and associated putative risk factors among Norwegian youth.

Method:

A sample of 3,150 participants, 1,421 (45.1%) males and 1,759 (54.9%) females, was prospectively followed for 11 years at three time points from adolescence to adulthood. Linear random coefficient models were applied.

Results:

For females, bulimic symptoms increased from age 14 to 16 and declined slowly thereafter. For males, the symptoms decreased between ages 14 and 16 and returned in the early 20s. Females had higher levels of symptoms than males at every age. Age‐associated trends in body mass index, appearance satisfaction, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were associated with some of the trends for both genders. For females, changes in alcohol consumption and cohabitation status functioned as predictors as well.

Discussion:

Males and females show distinct developmental trajectories of bulimic symptoms during adolescence and in the transition to adulthood. Prevention interventions should focus on putative risk factors in mid‐adolescence for females and in the early 20s for males. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012; 45:737–745)     

Socioeconomic status and the development of depressive symptoms from childhood to adulthood: a longitudinal analysis across 27 years of follow-up in the Young Finns study

We examined two alternative hypotheses on the association between low socioeconomic status (SES) and depressive symptoms: social causation and health selection. The latent growth curve (LGC) approach was used to examine trajectories of change in depressive symptoms over a period of 15 years in a dataset (the Young Finns study) consisting of a nationally representative sample of adolescents and young adults (n = 1613). Depressive symptoms were examined at four examination phases between 1992 and 2007. SES was measured as parental SES childhood (baseline of the study in 1980) and as the participants own SES in 2007 when the participants had reached adulthood and were between 30 and 45 years of age. The level of depressive symptoms was associated (r = −.14) with a slower decrease in symptoms during follow-up. Lower age, male gender, higher parental occupational grade but not parental income and lower negative emotionality in childhood were associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms. Higher age was also associated with a slower decrease in depressive symptoms. A lower level of depression and faster decrease in depressive symptoms were associated with a higher socioeconomic position in adulthood. A similar pattern was found in the relationship between the level of depression and income in adulthood. We concluded that the effect of childhood SES on depressive symptoms diminishes over time, but a higher level of, and especially faster decline of, depressive symptoms predicts the adulthood occupational SES gradient.     

Life-course influences on health in British adults: effects of socio-economic position in childhood and adulthood

BACKGROUND: Little evidence exists on the role of socio-economic position (SEP) in early life on adult disease other than for cardiovascular mortality; data is often retrospective. We assess whether childhood SEP influences disease risk in mid-life, separately from the effect of adult position, and establish how associations vary across multiple measures of disease risk. METHODS: Prospective follow-up to adulthood of all born in England, Scotland and Wales during 1 week in 1958, and with medical data at age 45 years (n = 9377). Outcomes include: blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), hearing threshold (4 kHz), visual impairment, symptoms of depression and anxiety, chronic widespread pain. RESULTS: Social class in childhood was associated with blood pressure, BMI, HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, FEV1, hearing threshold, depressive symptoms and chronic widespread pain, with a general trend of deteriorating health from class I to V. Adult social class was also associated with these measures. Mutually adjusted analyses of child and adult social class suggest that both contribute to disease risk in mid-life: in general, associations for childhood class were as strong as for adult class. Individuals with a manual class at both time-points tended to have the greatest health deficits in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse SEP in childhood is associated with a poorer health profile in mid-adulthood, independently of adult social position, and across diverse measures of disease risk and physical and mental functioning.     

Female-to-male transsexuals compared to lesbians: Behavioral patterns of childhood and adolescent development

We report detailed interview data on a clinical sample (N = 15) of female-to-male transsexuals (FTs) compared to a matched research sample (N = 15) of lesbians (Ls). Both groups were relatively young, with a mean age of 21 years 10 months (FTs) and 23 years 8 months (Ls), respectively, and were of middle or lower SES. Both groups did not differ from each other in respect to frequency of tomboyish behavior or interest in doll play and other aspects of maternal rehearsal. Male peer preference was more often remembered among the FTs, but the difference between the groups was only of borderline significance. The groups differed significantly regarding childhood cross-dressing (80% for FTs, 0% for Ls), gender identity confusion in adolescence (absent among Ls), and negative reaction to breast development and menarche (approximately 70% for FTs, 10% for Ls). The similarities and differences between the two groups in childhood and adolescent development are relevant for clinical management and the differential diagnosis of transsexualism vs. lesbianism.This research was supported in part by a National Institute of Mental Health Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, 1 F32 MH 05042-01, 1975–1976, to E. A. M.     

Longitudinal changes in intake and food sources of calcium from childhood to young adulthood: the bogalusa heart study

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in calcium intake and food sources of calcium from childhood to young adulthood in a longitudinal sample. METHODS: Information on food and nutrient intake was derived from a single 24-hour dietary recall collected on children who participated in a cross-sectional survey at age 10 and again in young adulthood. A cohort of 237 young adults who participated in the 1989-1991 young adult survey (ages 19 to 28 years) also participated in one of three cross-sectional surveys from 1973 to 1978 at 10 years of age. Repeated measures analysis of variance was applied to examine the longitudinal changes in intake of calcium and food sources from childhood to young adulthood. RESULTS: Total calcium intake at age 10 was not significantly different than total calcium intake of those same individuals when they were young adults. Gender and ethnic differences were observed within the two age groups. In both childhood (age 10 years) and young adulthood, African-American females had significantly lower total calcium intake than Euro-American males. However, this ethnic difference in total calcium intake did not exist after adjusting for energy intake. Calcium intake per 1000 kcal was significantly lower in females than males at age 10, but not in young adulthood. A large percentage of 10-year-olds did not meet the RDA or AI for calcium intake (54% and 88%, respectively), and this was also shown when they were young adults (77% and 75%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: More effective nutrition educational efforts are needed to emphasize the importance of adequate calcium intake and the major food sources of calcium, beginning early in childhood and continuing into young adulthood.     

Lifecourse influences on health among British adults: effects of region of residence in childhood and adulthood

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that early life exposures are important determinants of geographical variations in adult diseases. We examined inter-regional migrants in Britain to evaluate the relative importance of early and recent exposures for adult cardiorespiratory risk factors, mental ill-health and sensory function. METHODS: A total of 9023 persons born throughout England, Scotland and Wales during 1 week in 1958 were followed periodically through childhood into adulthood. At 44-45 years, height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), glycosylated haemoglobin, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), hearing threshold at 4 kHz, visual impairment, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and chronic widespread pain were measured. Analysis of migration between 12 regions included 3125 cohort members who were examined in a region different to their birthplace. RESULTS: Height, BMI, diastolic BP (DBP), FEV1, log-transformed IgE and hearing threshold varied by region among non-migrants (each P < 0.05). Among inter-regional migrants, the spatial associations with current region, independent of birthplace, followed closely the geographical pattern shown among non-migrants for BMI, DBP and FEV1 (each P < 0.001). In contrast, of the 15 outcomes, only adult height was related to region of birth, after adjustment for region of examination (P = 0.002) CONCLUSIONS: Although individual disease risk is predicted by early life factors, early exposures do not explain regional variations in cardiovascular and respiratory risk factors among middle-aged adults in Britain. Geographical inequalities in cardiorespiratory health are more strongly related to factors associated with region of examination that influence obesity, BP and ventilatory function.     

Persistence of upper respiratory tract infections in a cohort followed from childhood to adulthood

OBJECTIVE: To assess (1) prevalences of recurrent URTIs (rURTIs) and relapsing/persistent rURTIs and associated medical consumption between 0 and 21 years of age and (2) whether rURTIs experienced in early life predispose to upper airway disease later in life. METHODS: A cohort of all children born in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, between September 1982 and September 1983, was assessed repeatedly from 2 to 21 years of age with questionnaires regarding infections of the upper respiratory tract (URTIs), use of antibiotics, ENT operations and known risk factors for URTIs. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-one of the 693 cohort member (23%) suffered from relapsing rURTIs between 0 and 21 years of age, whereas only 7 (1%) suffered from persistent rURTIs throughout this period. Two hundred and six (30%) had used antibiotics more than once; and 220 (32%) had undergone at least one ENT operation. Of the 166 participants with rURTI between 8 and 21 years, 140 (84%) had had rURTI before. CONCLUSIONS: rURTIs are highly prevalent throughout early life and associated medical consumption is substantial. The challenge therefore is to develop therapeutic/preventive strategies that will prevent rURTIs in the first years of life.     

Comparison of weight-for-height indices as a measure of adiposity and cardiovascular risk from childhood to young adulthood: the Bogalusa heart study

The development of obesity in childhood is considered a major determinant of cardiovascular risk. Currently the body mass index (BMI = weight/height(2)) is widely used as a measure of obesity. However, since BMI is associated with height during childhood, a weight for height index (weight/height(p)) that is independent of height is thought to be more appropriate. Therefore, to compare the utility of such weight/height(p) index with BMI in assessing adiposity and its relation to cardiovascular risk variable data from the Bogalusa Heart Study participants aged 6 months to 21 years were examined. A total of 31,796 observations on 12,827 subjects was used in the data analysis. Study variables include height, weight, subscapular and triceps skinfolds, blood pressure, serum lipids and lipoproteins, and plasma glucose and insulin. The optimal exponential for the weight/height(p) index started from 2.42 in the 6 month olds, decreased to 1.86 in 2 to 3 year olds, increased to 3.29 among 10 to 11 year olds, and then decreased to 2.15 in the 20 to 21 year olds. The BMI showed slightly higher correlations than weight/height(p) index with subscapular skinfold in children. Both in children and young adults BMI also showed a slightly higher correlation with other cardiovascular risk factor variables regardless of age-race-sex groups. These results indicate that weight/height(p) index is not superior to BMI as an indicator of adiposity and related cardiovascular risk factors during childhood.     

Zinc and neurogenesis: making new neurons from development to adulthood

Stem cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation, cell survival, and migration in the central nervous system are all important steps in the normal process of neurogenesis. These mechanisms are highly active during gestational and early neonatal brain development. Additionally, in select regions of the brain, stem cells give rise to new neurons throughout the human lifespan. Recent work has revealed key roles for the essential trace element zinc in the control of both developmental and adult neurogenesis. Given the prevalence of zinc deficiency, these findings have implications for brain development, cognition, and the regulation of mood.     

Tracking of physical activity from adolescence to adulthood: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between regular physical activity in adolescence and leisure-time physical activity in adulthood, with emphasis on gender differences. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, in 2003. A representative sample of households was selected in multiple stages and subjects aged 20-59 years were interviewed. Leisure-time physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data on adolescent physical activity were based on subjects' recall. RESULTS: Of 2,577 subjects interviewed, 27.5% were classified as adequately active, and 54.9% reported regular physical activity in adolescence. Subjects who engaged in regular physical activity during adolescence were more likely to be adequately active in adulthood (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.42; 95% CI: 1.23; 1.65). This effect was stronger in women (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.22; 1.86) than men (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.10; 1.67). CONCLUSIONS: Promoting physical activity in school age may be a successful intervention against the epidemic of adult inactivity. Although women were less likely to report regular physical activity in adolescence, the effect of this experience on adult behavior was stronger than in men.     

A transition in health status from childhood to adulthood and associated lifestyle risk factors: a 13-year interval follow-up study in South Africa

South Africa is a developing country that also has developed aspects and as a result, has to cope with issues related to both worlds. There has been a definite change in the global patterns of diseases from a situation dominated by infectious diseases to a predominance of non-communicable diseases where the risk factors are largely associated with lifestyle. Results from a follow-up study were used to investigate a transition in health status of the study sample. Questionnaires were used in this historical cohort study, which reviews the health status and lifestyle aspects of young adults who participated as children in the Vaal Triangle Air Pollution Health Study (VAPS) during 1990. In general, the study sample had a higher prevalence of chronic diseases compared to the general South African population. Findings indicate that the transition in health status recorded elsewhere in the world can be demonstrated in this South African group.     

Mortality in childhood, youth and early adulthood: Social inequality in a Swedish city

In 1971–1985 statistically significant social differencesin mortality in youth and early adulthood were found in thecity of Göteborg, when divided into 3 socio-economic areagroups according to income. This applied to total mortality,to major biological causes of death and external causes of death,i.e. intentional injuries (mainly suicide) as well as accidents.The differences increased from 1971–1975 to 1981–1985.A similar pattern, which was not statistically significant,was found in childhood mortality. A comparison of the socialdifferences in mortality in childhood, youth and early adulthoodshowed an increasing level of difference by age group. A politicaland administrative decentralization was implemented in Swedenin the 1980s. Local area research thus has relevance for policy,planning and provision of services. The results can be usedin targeting for health and as a basis for planning of healthand social services based on local needs. It gives an indicationof the possible gains in public health if the socio-economicdifferences can be reduced. Further studies should focus uponthe uneven distribution of possibly preventable risk factorsbehind the obseived inequality in mortality. Although furtherstudies are needed as a basis for prevention, the social inequalityin mortality rates and causes of death can be used in targetingfor health and as a basis for the allocation of resources inhealth services.     

Genetic and environmental influences on sleep problems: a study of preadolescent and adolescent twins

Background/Aim The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which additive genetic, shared environmental and non‐shared environmental factors contribute to adolescent and preadolescent sleep problems. Methods The sample consisted of a cohort of 270 monozygotic and 246 dizygotic twins from a university‐based twin registry. Results Results demonstrated that genetic and environmental influences each appear to be important to adolescent sleep problems. Conclusions While the magnitude of genetic influence on sleep problems was consistent with findings from the adult literature, it was smaller than in studies with younger children, suggesting genetic effects may be less influential in adolescence and adulthood.     

Self-reported symptoms of depression in late adolescence to early adulthood: a comparison of African-American and Caucasian females

The prevalence of depressive symptoms from adolescence through young adulthood was examined in 1,146 African-American adolescent girls and 1,075 Caucasian adolescent girls who completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression scale. Caucasian girls’ scores decreased over time, whereas scores for African-American girls were fairly consistent. Future studies are needed to examine age-specific risk factors in adolescent girls.