Introduction: In a previous study using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at forty weeks of postconceptional age we still found low bone mineralisation. Objective: We studied bone development during the first year of life and investigated whether the mode of supplementation is satisfactory. Results: 25 VLBW infants were examined. Osteoporosis was common but severe forms of osteopathy of prematurity were not found on clinical, laboratory and X-ray examination. A considerable increase of bone density was revealed by DXA during a 6 month’s period. Conclusions: 1. VLBW and ELBW infants still have at 40 weeks of postconceptional age a markedly lower mineral bone density despite mineral supplementation. However, supplementation prevents development of severe forms of osteopathy: deformations, bone fractures, linear growth deficit. 2. During 6 months following discharge bone density increased considerably although it was still below normal values. 3. There were no signs of rickets in any child after the 6-month period. 4. Body length at 6 months of corrected age was slightly below normal length of full-term infants but the growth was higher than in full-term infants. 5. Further studies of bone development in VLBW children are needed.

        Key words: VLBW infants, bone development