Webinars

Peak Growth, Peak Opportunity: Optimizing Pediatric Bone Development for Lifelong Skeletal Health

How can we optimize bone development during critical windows of growth to reduce fracture risk and improve lifelong skeletal health?

Presenter(s): Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND; Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND

Date: 02 December 2026

Time: 3-4 PM ET

Location: Live webinar

Continuing Education Credits: Nurse Contact 1.0 CE; Dietitian 1.0 CPEU

Summary

In this free, live accredited webinar, Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND and Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND, will describe the key stages of pediatric bone development, explain why fracture risk increases transiently during growth spurts, identify modifiable factors that influence pediatric bone strength, and discuss the synergistic roles of protein, vitamin D, and calcium in supporting bone accrual assessment. This webinar will only be available live on the dates provided.

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Peak Growth, Peak Opportunity: Optimizing Pediatric Bone Development for Lifelong Skeletal Health

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Key Takeaways:

  • Pediatric bone development occurs in distinct stages, with critical windows for bone accrual during childhood and adolescence.
  • Modifiable factors such as nutrition and physical activity play significant roles in optimizing bone strength during growth.
  • Adequate intake of protein, vitamin D, and calcium work synergistically to support bone formation, mineralization, and overall skeletal health.

Related Questions:

  • What are key modifiable factors that can improve pediatric bone health?
    Adequate nutrition (calcium, vitamin D, protein) and regular weight-bearing physical activity are examples of modifiable factors that can significantly enhance bone strength.
  • Why is early intervention important for long-term skeletal health?
    Achieving a higher peak bone mass during youth reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life, making early intervention a critical prevention strategy.

Presenter Bio(s):

Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND

Medical Science Liaison
Global Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Austin, TX, USA   

Dr Lauren Spain is a dedicated nutrition professional with extensive experience in leadership, research, and wellness. She currently serves as a Medical Science Liaison in Medical Affairs & Research at Abbott’s Nutrition Division. Her expertise spans pediatric nutrition, wellness programming, and public health initiatives.   

Dr Spain earned her PhD in Nutrition and Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. She completed her dietetic internship at Emory University Hospital and worked as a Clinical Dietitian prior to obtaining her PhD. Her research focused on protein sources and their effects on pediatric bone health and cognitive function. She previously served as Associated Department Head for Undergraduate Programs at Texas A&M University where she oversaw curriculum and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses.   

Dr Spain is active within the nutrition community and has held multiple leadership roles including serving as delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) for the Nutrition Educators for Health Professionals Dietetics Practice Group and President of the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She recently began her tenure as Director-at-Large for the AND in June 2025. 

Dr Spain is an accomplished speaker and clinician, committed to driving innovative care in nutrition, health, and wellness.

 

Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND

Senior Medical Science Liaison
Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Palmview, TX, USA

Andie Lee Gonzalez is a Senior Medical Science Liaison with the Pediatric MSL Team. Dr Gonzalez earned a bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition, a Master in Public Health (MPH) and clinical dietetic training at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan. Her undergraduate and graduate work focused on nutrition and the health of migrant farmworker children. She completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Her previous roles included inpatient and outpatient counseling for adults and pediatric patients. She was an adjunct Community Nutrition Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas College, and served as an AmeriCorps Health Corps member. Dr Gonzalez also serves in various community nutrition-focused local and national organizations. A few roles include President-Elect of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Advocacy Liaison for Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition, and chair of Grants and Awards for the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

Category
CE CPEU Pediatric Growth & Development

Highlighted References:

  • Baxter Jones AD, et al. J Bone Miner Res. 2011;26(8):1729–1739.
  • Weaver CM, et al. Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(4):1281–1386.
  • Yang Y, et al. J Bone Miner Res. 2017;32(12):2326–2335.
  • Hochberg Z, et al. J Pediatr Orthop Soc North Am. 2025;7(2):e40433296.
  • Akkawi I, Zmerly H. Joints. 2018;6(2):122-127.

Disclosures:

  • Webinar speakers are employees of Abbott Medical Affairs & Research.