Nutritionally Responsive Conditions Part 3

Lecture Notes

In general, nutrition affects bone development but especially energy and calcium are more important. Initially protein was thought to have an effect, but it's been proven that it is not true. We have to remember that growth means two things: elongation of the bones and gain weight. An excess energy intake will lead to an excessive gain weight on a skeletal structure that might not be ready to support all this weight. It's like building a house; if the bases are not completely solid and ready, and you start putting walls, roof, bricks, etc., that house will probably fall or have serious issues. That is the case of hip dysplasia.

Calcium, on the other hand, affects the metabolism of the bone growth plates. An excess of calcium will alter the speed and quality of bone growth, causing an imbalance growth and bone diseases.