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Updated: May 10, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Bone health in children and adolescents: risk factors for low bone density
Pisit Pitukcheewanont1, Juliana Austin, Paul Chen
1Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA. dpisit@chla.usc.edu
Abstract:
Osteoporosis is a common disease that is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD). Decreased BMD is associated with increased fracture risk. In adults, normal BMD results from the balance between accrual of peak bone mass (PBM) at the end of adolescence, and subsequent bone loss with age. Although environmental factors play a role, hereditary factors are the major contributors (up to 80%) to the variability in PBM. This review examines the effects of genetics, physical activity and immobilization, smoking, chronic diseases and medications, vitamin D, calcium, and various other dietary factors on bone integrity in children, adolescents, and adults.
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