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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Association Between Self-Reported Lactose Intolerance, Additional Environmental Factors, and Bone Mineral Density in
Darina Falbová1, Petra Švábová1, Radoslav Beňuš1
1Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia.
Self-reported lactose intolerance (LI) and smoking negatively impact bone mineral density (BMD) in young Slovak adults. These factors contribute to lower BMD in the radius, highlighting potential health concerns for this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Nutritional science
- Public health
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for skeletal health, influenced by genetics and environmental factors.
- Lactose intolerance (LI) affects a significant portion of the population, potentially impacting calcium absorption and bone health.
- Young adulthood is a critical period for bone mass acquisition and establishing lifelong skeletal health habits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-reported lactose intolerance (LI), various environmental factors, and bone mineral density (BMD) in young adults.
- To identify specific environmental factors that influence BMD in the Slovak young adult population.
- To understand the combined and independent effects of LI and lifestyle choices on bone health.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 985 Slovak adults aged 18-30 years (2019-2023).
- Assessment of self-reported LI and environmental factors (smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet) via questionnaire.
- Measurement of BMD using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and body composition analysis (InBody 770).
Main Results:
- In women, age, total weight, and LI presence independently predicted speed of sound (SOS) and Z-score (p<0.05).
- In men, age and smoking status predicted SOS (p<0.05), while age and LI status influenced the Z-score (p<0.05).
- Linear regression identified significant predictors for bone density parameters in both sexes.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported lactose intolerance (LI) was associated with lower bone mineral density in young Slovak adults.
- Smoking was also identified as a detrimental factor affecting BMD in this population.
- These findings suggest that managing LI and avoiding smoking are important for maintaining bone health during young adulthood.
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