Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Bone Mineral Accrual From Adolescence Into Young Adulthood and Peak Bone Mass: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Arzhang Naseri1, Farnaz Atighi1, Alireza Keshtkar2
1Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran.
Background And Aims:
Understanding bone mass accumulation patterns and factors influencing them during growth is important for preventing osteoporosis later in life. This study investigated longitudinal changes in bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) during growth, with the aim of estimating the age at which peak bone mass (PBM) is achieved in males and females. It also examined the effects of puberty, age, body mass index (BMI), sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and habitual exercise on these bone parameters during adolescence and early adulthood.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 159 participants. Bone densitometry was performed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) during two assessments. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and demographic data, pubertal stage, medical history, SES, and exercise habits were collected through a structured questionnaire administered by a physician.
Results:
Rates of change in total body BMC (TBBMC) and BMD (TBBMD) decreased with advancing age and pubertal stage, with the highest rates observed at ages 9-11 and Tanner stage 1. Across all ages up to 18 years, males showed significantly higher rates than females. Peak TBBMC and TBBMD occurred at 25.7 and 26.2 years in males, and 24.8 and 24.0 years in females. After adjusting for bone size, BMAD peaks at the femoral neck and lumbar spine were 21.2 and 23.8 years in males, and 24.8 and 24.1 years in females. Linear mixed model analysis indicated that older age, higher BMI, male sex, higher SES (significant for BMD), and greater physical activity positively influenced TBBMC and TBBMD until peak values were reached.
Conclusion:
Bone accumulation was greater in adolescence than in early adulthood. PBM was generally reached in the mid-third decade, with females attaining it earlier. Age, sex, BMI, SES, and exercise positively influenced TBBMC and TBBMD during adolescence and early adulthood.
More Related Videos
06:59Author Spotlight: An Economic and Efficient Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Microarchitecture in a Murine Osteoporosis Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
07:12Semiautomated Longitudinal Microcomputed Tomography-based Quantitative Structural Analysis of a Nude Rat Osteoporosis-related Vertebral Fracture Model
Published on: September 28, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone 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...
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:40Bone Remodeling
01:29Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification
The process begins when mesenchymal cells in the embryonic skeleton gather together and differentiate into osteogenic cells, which then develop into ...
01:17Hormones 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...
01:24Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification