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Peak bone mass in young women
D Teegarden1, W R Proulx, B R Martin
1Department of Foods and Nutrition, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Summary
Peak bone mineral density (BMD) is reached by age 22, while peak bone content (BMC) is achieved by age 26 in women. Understanding these ages is crucial for preventing osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Bone metabolism and osteoporosis prevention.
- Human physiology and skeletal development.
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a significant health concern, particularly in women.
- Optimizing peak bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) during young adulthood is key to reducing future osteoporosis risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age at which peak total body bone mineral density (TBBMD) and total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) are attained in healthy females.
- To model the relationship between age, weight, height, and TBBMD/TBBMC.
Main Methods:
- Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure TBBMD and TBBMC in 247 healthy females aged 11-32 years.
- Nonlinear regression models were employed to analyze the relationship between age and bone parameters.
- Models incorporating age, weight, and height were used to assess their influence on TBBMD and TBBMC.
Main Results:
- Ninety-nine percent of peak TBBMD is achieved by approximately 22.1 years of age.
- Ninety-nine percent of peak TBBMC is achieved by approximately 26.2 years of age.
- A model including age and weight best described TBBMD, while age, weight, and height best described TBBMC.
Conclusions:
- Peak bone mass acquisition occurs in the early to mid-twenties for women.
- These findings provide critical data for developing interventions to maximize bone mass during critical developmental periods.
- Understanding the determinants of peak bone mass is essential for long-term skeletal health and osteoporosis prevention strategies.