Ultrasound bone measurement in healthy Turkish children and adolescents was evaluated. Relationships between pubertal status, anthropometry, physical activity, dietary intake of calcium and several parameters with bone mineral density (BMD) were analyzed. 36 prepubertal and 37 pubertal children participated in the study. Calculation of calcium intake was based on consumption of dairy products. 19.6% of children had a BMD z score below -2 and 40.9% had a BMD z score below -1. Only 28.8% of children had a dairy calcium intake above the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Children participating in sport activities more than 3 hours per week had better z score values. No relation was found between BMD and having a history of fracture, obesity and intake of gaseous drinks. There was no relation between calcium intake or BMD. We found that bone stiffness in children is determined by pubertal status and physical activity rather than by calcium intake.

Keywords: Çocuk, ultrasonometrik kemik yoğunluğu, belirleyen faktörler, Children, ultrasound bone density, factors