The Influence of Genetics and Calcium Intake on Child Growth and Health During Puberty: A Twin Study in China

This program is a study of cohort twins in China to examine how genetics, dietary calcium intake and their interaction affect children's adiposity and health.

Program Focus

The aim of this program is:

  • To examine how genetics, dietary calcium intake, and their interaction may affect children’s adiposity and health (metabolic profile)
  • To examine wow prenatal factors (e.g., maternal pre and during pregnancy nutrition) may affect children’s later growth, maturation and health (e.g., adiposity and metabolic profile)
  • To examine how prenatal factors, early child growth trajectory, children’s diet, family factors such as parenting practice, and their interactions may affect children’s later growth, maturation and health.

Baseline data are collected from 311 pairs of twins and their parents with follow-up collections also taking place.  The data collected includes anthropometric measures, maturation status, body image, blood pressure, and fasting blood sample tests.  Fasting blood sample tests are analyzed for lipids, insulin, glucose, bone density and body composition.  Study participants also answered survey questionnaires on eating, physical activity behaviors, and family characteristics.

The study is funded by multiple sources including a NIH P60 grant.