Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Factors affecting bone mineral density in men.
Ebru Atalar1, Gülümser Aydin, Isik Keles
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital for Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Ankara, Turkey. atalarebrudr@yahoo.com
Age and smoking negatively impact bone mineral density (BMD) in men, particularly under 50. Physical activity and body mass index show positive correlations in older men, suggesting complex risk factors for low BMD.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Orthopedics
- Public Health
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for skeletal health, and its decline is associated with increased fracture risk.
- Identifying modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for low BMD is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.
- Previous research indicates varied associations between lifestyle factors and BMD, necessitating further investigation in specific populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correlations between bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and femoral neck and various endogenous and exogenous factors in men.
- To identify specific age-related patterns in the relationship between risk factors and BMD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 131 men aged 20-75 years.
- Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck.
- Data on age, body mass index, calcium intake, physical activity, smoking, caffeine consumption, socioeconomic status, and educational level were collected and analyzed for correlations.
Main Results:
- Age negatively affected femoral neck BMD overall and both lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD in men under 50.
- Physical activity showed a positive effect on femoral neck BMD in men over 50.
- Lumbar vertebral BMD was negatively correlated with smoking in all participants and in those aged 50 and older.
- Femoral neck BMD was positively correlated with body mass index in men aged 50 and older.
Conclusions:
- Age and smoking are significant negative predictors of BMD in men, with distinct patterns observed across different age groups.
- Lifestyle factors like physical activity and body mass index demonstrate age-dependent associations with BMD.
- The study highlights the complexity of BMD determinants and suggests that genetic and geographic factors may also play a crucial role, warranting further research.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Bone Remodeling
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis