Effect of maternal malnutrition on the bone density of the neonates

Bone density measurements were made in 15 paried mothers and neonates of well-to-do group and in 21 age and parity matched mothers and their neonates of the poor socioeconomic community using radiodensitometry. Radiodensities of all bones studied in the mothers and neonates of high income group were significantly higher than those of corresponding bones of the mothers and neonates of poor community. This may be a reflection of maternal malnutrition on the intrauterine development of the bone. A close correlation was observed between the bone density of mothers and neonates in the poor income group. Bone density had no relation with birth weight.