Fourie, M.Gericke, Gerda J.Kruger, M.C.2019-06-242019-06-242019M Fourie, GJ Gericke & MC Kruger (2019) Body composition and intake of nutrients associated with bone metabolism in young adolescents in a peri-urban setting, South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 32:4, 99-106, DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2018.1487614.1607-0658 (print)2221-1268 (online)10.1080/16070658.2018.1487614http://hdl.handle.net/2263/70281OBJECTIVE : The aim was to describe the anthropometry, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), dietary calcium intake and 25(OH)D3 levels in 11- and 12-year-old children in a peri-urban area. DESIGN : A cross-sectional, descriptive study in the quantitative domain was undertaken. SETTING : Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, South Africa. SUBJECTS : Children, conveniently selected, were assessed in two groups. The first group comprised 70 children. From the 70 children, 20 children were conveniently selected to form a sub-sample (n = 20). OUTCOME MEASURES : Anthropometric data (weight, height) and dietary data (three quantified multi-pass 24-hour recalls). Children in the sub-sample additionally underwent body composition assessment (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; DXA scan) and a finger prick for 25(OH)D3. RESULTS : BMI and body composition data (body fat mass and lean fat mass) showed that the girls exceeded the boys in all measurements. The girls had a non-significantly higher BMD and BMC than the boys. The mean and median values for 25(OH)D3 were lower than the reference range values. Dietary intake results showed that the children had a sufficient macronutrient intake, but a deficient intake of calcium, phosphate and vitamin D. The sub-sample had a mean vitamin D intake of 3.2 mcg. CONCLUSION : The girls exceeded the boys in all the anthropometric and body composition measurements. The calcium and vitamin D intake of the children were of concern. There were no significant differences or relationships in the bone measurements and vitamin D status between the boys and girls.en© 2018 The Author(s). Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons License [CC BY-NC 4.0].Body compositionPreadolescent childrenVitamin D statusPeri-urban areaAnthropometry25(OH)D3 levelsBone mineral content (BMC)Dietary calcium intakeBone mineral density (BMD)Health sciences articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingArticle