To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) differences between assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived children and naturally conceived (NC) children.
This retrospective cohort study included ART-conceived children and controls aged 1 to 12 years assessed with a follow-up protocol. Maternal and paternal background, birth condition, and growth and development indicators were analyzed.
The ART and NC groups exhibited differences in maternal and paternal childbearing age; maternal weight; maternal body mass index (BMI); maternal alcohol consumption; paternal smoking; delivery method; and serum zinc, iron, and lead levels. Multifactor analysis adjusted for relevant factors showed that paternal childbearing age and group significantly affected the BMD Z score. In the subgroup analysis,
The BMD levels of the ART and control groups were generally in the normal range. Paternal childbearing age and the use of ART independently affected the BMD Z score of the offspring.