Natural ingredients for childhood bone health
Children and adolescents need a balanced diet for healthy growth and development. That means making sure they get the right amount of energy and nutrients such as protein, lipids, vitamins and minerals.

At Arla Foods Ingredients, we offer a range of high-quality ingredients derived from milk to meet the nutritional needs of children and adolescents. Bone health is one of our key focus areas.

Developing strong bones
Between 20% and 40% of adult peak bone mass is thought to be influenced by lifestyle¹ – and it is during childhood that the foundations for good bone health are laid. A strong peak bone mass developed during childhood and adolescence can protect against fractures and osteoporotic disease in later life^{1, 2}.

The development of strong bones requires sufficient intake of proteins and minerals^3-5. In one study of pre-pubertal girls³, daily intake of milk minerals for 12 months had a positive impact on bone mineral density that could still be measured more than three years later⁸. Based on findings like these, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has authorised health claims on protein, calcium and phosphorus related to the normal growth and development of bones in children^{6, 7}.

As a source of high-quality milk protein, calcium and phosphorus, milk-derived micellar casein isolate (MCI) is the latest opportunity to supply key nutrients for normal bone growth and development in children.

Ingredients for kids’ nutrition

At Arla Foods Ingredients, we offer a broad range of high-quality whey and milk proteins:

• Rich in essential amino acids with high digestibility⁹.
• Support the normal growth and development of bones⁷.
  
  

 Milk mineral concentrate

• Rich in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
• Supports normal growth and development of bones⁶.
• Clinically documented to give a long-lasting increase in the bone mass of pre-pubertal girls^{3, 8}.
  
  

Micellar casein isolate

• Rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus for the normal growth and development of bones^{6, 7}.

REFERENCES

1. Weaver, C.M., et al., The National Osteoporosis Foundation’s position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations. Osteoporosis International, 2016. 27(4): p. 1281-1386.
2. Laine, C.M. and T. Laine, Diagnosis of Osteoporosis in Children and Adolescents. European Endocrinology, 2010. 9(2): p. 141.
3. Bonjour, J.P.C., A., et al., Calcium-enriched Foods and Bone Mass Growth in Prepubertal Girls: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial. J. Clin. Invest., 1997(99): p. 1287–1294.
4. Rizzoli, R., et al., Benefits and safety of dietary protein for bone health—an expert consensus paper endorsed by the European Society for Clinical and Economical Aspects of Osteopororosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases and by the International Osteoporosis Fou. Osteoporosis International, 2018. 29(9): p. 1933-1948.
5. Rizzoli, R., Dairy products and bone health. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 2022. 34(1): p. 9-24.
6. Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012 of 16/05/2012. Official Journal of the European Union.
7. Commission Regulation (EC) No 983/2009 of 21 October 2009. Official Journal of the European Union.
8. Bonjour, J.P., et al., Gain in bone mineral mass in prepubertal girls 3.5 years after discontinuation of calcium supplementation: a follow-up study. Lancet, 2001(358): p. 1208–12.
9. Herreman, L., et al., Comprehensive overview of the quality of plant‐ And animal‐sourced proteins based on the digestible indispensable amino acid score. Food Science & Nutrition, 2020. 8(10): p. 5379-5391.