Nutrition Science: Bone Development

Breast milk is best for your baby

Breast milk is best for babies. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. At around six months of age (but not before 4 months), infants should receive nutritionally adequate and age-appropriate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.

Abbott Singapore fully recognises breast milk’s primacy, value and superiority and supports exclusive breastfeeding as recommended by the WHO.

The content on this website is intended as general information for Singaporean residents only and should not be used as a substitute for medical care and advice from your healthcare practitioner. The HPB recommends that infants start on age-appropriate complementary foods at around 6 months, whilst continuing breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond to meet their evolving nutritional requirements. If no longer breastfeeding, toddlers can switch to full cream milk after 12 months. This should be complemented by a good variety of solid foods from the four main food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and alternatives). For more information on the nutritional requirements of infants and young children, please visit www.healthhub.sg/earlynutrition.

Did you know there are 206 bones in the adult body? They provide structure for the body and protection for the organs, and they make it possible to walk, run and move about. Skeletal development is most rapid in infancy, and bones grow and strengthen in childhood. They must last a lifetime, so you want them to start healthy and strong.

Peak bone mass is achieved between the ages of 10 and 18. Children with lower bone mass may be at greater risk for fractures. Building bone requires intake of calcium on an ongoing basis. Calcium is absorbed into the bone to create a kind of "bank account." Because bone mass decreases in all adults- some experts say at about age 30-the more your child builds early, the stronger her bones will be later.

The nutrients bones need

Certain nutrients are especially important for developing a strong, healthy skeleton for good growth. These include:

Calcium – responsible for construction, formation, and maintenance of bones and teeth
Vitamin D – promotes calcium absorption and helps to form and maintain strong bones
Phosphorus – combines with calcium to form calcium phosphate, which is the substance that gives the skeleton rigidity
Magnesium – approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found in bone and contributes to the physical structure of the bone

Tips for Healthy Bones

Breast milk is the best for babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and should be continued for as long as possible.
Don't forget the calcium - make sure milk and other calcium-rich foods are part of your child's diet every day (500 mg/day is recommended for children 1-3 years old, 600mg/day for those aged 4-6 years, and 700mg/day for 7-9 year olds).
Balance your diet - include vitamins and minerals necessary for bone health and a well-balanced diet.
Absorb all you can - vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption.
Be active - in addition to a healthy diet, exercise is fundamental for bone development. Provide the opportunity for age-appropriate, safe physical activity on a regular basis.