Non-genetic features of peak bone mineral density in healthy women of Shanghai

Aim: To investigate the relationship between peak bone mineral density (BMD) and non-genetic factors in healthy Shanghai women, and to provide instructive evidence for preventing and treating osteoporosis. Methods: BMD at lumbar spine (L_1-4), proximal femur, greater trochanter and Ward' s triangle were measured by duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 433 healthy women aged 20 - 40 years of Han nationality in Shanghai, and relative factors were investigated. Results: The peak BMD was seen in 30 - 34 years at lumbar spine and 20 - 24 years at proximal femur respectively. BMD at all measurement sites were positively associated to body mass significantly (β = 0.283 - 0.373, P < 0.05), and negatively associated to menarche age(β = 0.151 to 0.093, P < 0.001). Age was negatively related to BMD at greater trochanter and Ward' s triangle (β = -0.137, -0.194, P < 0.05 ) and height was positively associated to BMD at L_1-4(β = 0.152, P < 0.05). Profession was also positively related to BMD at neck and Ward's triangle(β = 0.001, 0.116, P < 0.05). No significant difference in age, height and body mass between women who began to drink milk from 0 - 18 years (group A) old and after 18 years old (group B, P > 0.05). BMD in all site of group A were all higher than that of group B (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Appropriate body mass, height, physical activity and milk consumption during childhood and adolescence are benefit in attaining higher peak BMD, and menarche delay is a risk factor for peak BMD.