6 yr old with mild osteopenia

There are increasing numbers of young children being seen with rickets which is very similar to osteopenia - primarily due to lack of vit D! High factor suncreams when outdoors and playing indoors for a whole range of reasons mean they don't make vit D in their skin which accounts for over 90% of how they get it. It is found in very few foods and in the UK nothing is fortified with vit D except margarine - and that is only to make it the same level as butter - and some cereals.  Vit D is essential to form bone, as is plenty of body-weight-bearing exercise - running, jumping, skipping. So is calcium - lots of milk, cheese and the right veggies (leafy greens, green beans and broccoli!) as well as seafood, which aren't always top on the young child's list of favourites are they! If you look on the internet for ideas don't take any notice of the claims that milk, flour and orange juice have calcium added unless you are in the USA, it doesn't apply in the UK.

I have to say, I was always led to believe that if an ordinary x-ray showed reduced bone density it must be quite bad. A dexascan is the only reliable way to estimate bone density. However, if the finger isn't healing it does suggest he isn't forming new bone well - although I understand that the term osteopenia isn't usually used in children.

Was he premature? Osteopenia is common in preemies but there are also some illnesses that can cause reduce bone density so he really should be investigated.