A risk factor for scoliosis has been identified: lack of manganese, an essential nutrient for bone formation.
Until now, no one knew why some children had scoliosis and others did not. For the first time, researchers discovered a risk factor: the lack of manganese, an essential nutrient for bone formation.
They found that children with severe scoliosis are twice as likely to carry a genetic variant that makes it difficult for their cells to absorb and use manganese. “Our study establishes a link between scoliosis and a potentially modifiable element in the diet”, summarizes Christina Gurnett, professor of neurology, orthopedic surgery and pediatrics, director of the study.
A variant of the SLC39A8 gene
The genes of 457 children with severe scoliosis and 987 children without scoliosis were analyzed. Scientists have found a variant of the SLC39A8 gene in only 6% of healthy children, but in 12% of children with severe scoliosis. A second analysis in a separate group of 1,095 healthy children and 841 children with moderate to severe scoliosis also found that children with scoliosis were about twice as likely to carry this same genetic variant.
Be careful though, this does not mean that children should be massively given manganese, because in too high a quantity, this substance can be toxic.
Constantly wearing a corset
Scoliosis is a permanent deviation of the spine, linked to a rotation of the vertebrae. It occurs mainly in childhood and adolescence, but can also occur in adulthood. This condition is sometimes the consequence of another disease or malformation.
The treatment of progressive scoliosis takes place over several years and often consists of constant wearing of an orthopedic corset, which can be extremely restrictive for children and adolescents. About 4% of this population suffers from scoliosis.
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