Skeletal growth, body composition, and metabolic risk among North Sudanese immigrant children

Objectives: Children of immigrants and refugees from developing countries are at risk for poor growth that could contribute to adult chronic disease. This study describes the physical growth, bone growth, body composition, metabolic risks, physical activity, and food security of Sudanese children living in the United States.

Design and sample: Cross-sectional descriptive study of 64 Sudanese children age 5-18.

Measures: Bone mineral content (BMC), bone density (aBMD), and body composition (fat, lean mass, percent body fat) were measured using DXA. Lipids, insulin, glucose, and hs-CRP were analyzed using standardized laboratory methods. Food security was assessed with the U.S. Household Food Security Survey. Physical activity was measured through self-report questionnaire and pedometers.

Results: About 1/3 of children had low BMC and aBMD. Lean mass was low in 46%, and 32% were obese. Cholesterol, triglycerides, and HOMA-IR were elevated in 23.4%, 32.8%, and 15.6% of children, respectively; only 22% of children were physically active and 40% experienced food insecurity.

Conclusion: Sudanese children may have unique risks related to low bone mass low muscle mass, high percent body fat metabolic biomarkers, inactivity, and food insecurity potentially contributing to adult osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.