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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Does birthweight predict bone mass in adulthood? A systematic review and meta-analysis
1MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. jb@mrc.soton.ac.uk
Summary
Higher birthweight is linked to greater adult bone mineral content (BMC) in the spine and hip. This association suggests early life factors influence skeletal development throughout life.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Early life size, including birthweight, may influence adult skeletal health.
- Understanding this association is crucial for public health initiatives related to bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between early size (birthweight or weight at 1 year) and adult bone mass.
- To determine the strength and magnitude of this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies.
- Inclusion criteria: studies assessing birthweight or weight at 1 year and adult bone mineral content (BMC) or bone mineral density (BMD).
Main Results:
- Higher birthweight correlated with increased lumbar spine BMC (1.49 g per 1 kg increase) and hip BMC (1.41 g per 1 kg increase).
- Birthweight was not significantly associated with lumbar spine or hip bone mineral density (BMD).
- Higher weight at 1 year also correlated with greater adult BMC in the spine and hip.
Conclusions:
- Higher birthweight is consistently associated with greater adult bone mineral content (BMC) of the spine and hip.
- Findings support the concept of intrauterine programming of skeletal development.
- Skeletal size established in infancy appears to track into adulthood.
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