Fast Food In The Neighborhood Increases Risk Of Lower Bone Mineral Density

Researchers at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom discovered that neighborhood exposure to fast food restaurants may increase the risk of poor bone development in early childhood. The findings are published in the journal Osteoporosis International.

During the study, researchers examined bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content Study findings revealed that a greater number of fast food outlets were linked to BMD and BMC in newborns. Yet, when increasing the number of healthy specialty stores in the area, including greengrocers, this was linked with higher BMD at both ages.

"These findings suggest that the exposure of mothers and children to more healthy food environments might optimize childhood bone development through its influence on the quality of the maternal diet and dietary choices during childhood," said study co-author Professor Cyrus Cooper, Chair of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Committee of Scientific Advisors, in a news release. "More extensive research is needed, but if confirmed in further studies, this would imply that action to improve the food environment could have benefits for childhood bone development."

Furthermore, the study results push to support the introduction of zoning policies that might increase the number of healthier food retailers, as well as decrease the number of fast food outlets.

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