Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Diet, body composition, and bone mass in well-trained cyclists
Vivian Santos da Rocha Penteado1, Charlles Heldan de Moura Castro1, Marcelo de Medeiros Pinheiro1
1Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Well-trained cyclists show higher aerobic fitness and lean mass but not significantly lower bone mass compared to sedentary individuals. Dietary intake was higher in cyclists, with lipids negatively correlating with bone mass.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Bone Health
Background:
- Cycling is often linked to reduced bone mass.
- Understanding the impact of intense training on bone health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate food intake, body composition, and bone mass in young adult cyclists versus sedentary controls.
- To determine if cycling is associated with low bone mass.
Main Methods:
- Compared 31 cyclists and 28 sedentary males (average age 24) using 4-day diet records.
- Measured maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), body composition, and bone mass (DXA).
Main Results:
- Cyclists had significantly higher VO2max, lean mass, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass.
- Cyclists had lower body fat percentage compared to controls.
- No significant difference in bone mass was observed between groups, though some individuals in both groups had low bone mass.
- Cyclists consumed more energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients; lipid intake correlated negatively with bone mass in athletes.
Conclusions:
- Cycling is associated with enhanced aerobic conditioning and increased lean mass.
- Cycling did not show a significant negative association with bone mass in this cohort.
- Dietary lipid intake may warrant attention regarding bone health in athletes.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
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...
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...
01:22The Functions of the Skeletal System
The most apparent functions of the skeletal system are support, protection, and movement. However, bone tissue also performs several other critical metabolic functions. For one, the bone matrix acts as a reservoir for a number of minerals important to the functioning of the body, especially calcium and phosphorus. These minerals, present in the bone tissue, can be released back into the bloodstream when required. Calcium ions, for example, are essential for muscle contractions and controlling...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect 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...
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...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
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...
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...
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
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...
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...