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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
The effect of water fluoridation on the bone mineral density of young women
C M Arnold1, D A Bailey, R A Faulkner
1College of Physical Education, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. arnoldc@sask.usask.ca
Introduction:
Osteogenic effects of therapeutic fluoride have been reported; however, the impact of exposure to low level water fluoridation on bone density is not clear. We investigated the effect of long-term exposure to fluoridated water from growth to young adulthood on bone mineral density (BMD).
Methods:
BMD was measured in 24 healthy women from Regina (fluoride 0.1 mg/L) and 33 from Saskatoon (fluoride 1.0 mg/L), with no differences between groups for height, weight, lifestyle or dietary factors.
Results:
Saskatoon women had significantly higher mean BMD at total anterior-posterior lumbar spine (APS) and estimated volumetric 1.3 (VLS), with no difference at total body (TB) or proximal femur (PF).
Conclusion:
Exposure to water fluoridation during the growing years may have a positive impact on axial spine bone density in young women.
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