Factors Affecting Peak Bone Mass

Peak bone mass is influenced by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. It has been suggested that genetic factors may account for up to 60-80% of bone mass, while environmental factors account for the remaining 20-40%.

Gender
Peak bone mass tends to be higher in men than in women. Before puberty, bone mass is acquired at similar rates among boys and girls. After puberty, however, males tend to acquire greater bone mass than their female counterparts.

Race
For reasons still being investigated, African-American females tend to achieve higher peak bone mass than Caucasian females. These differences in bone density are apparent even during youth.

Hormonal factors
Estrogen is an important determinant of peak bone mass. Early menarche and use of oral contraceptives, for example, have been positively correlated with high bone mineral density. Young women who become amenorrheic experience significant deficits in bone density, that may not be recovered even after menses returns.

Nutritional status
Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health. It has been suggested that calcium deficiencies in the young can account for a 5-10% difference in peak bone mass and can significantly increase the risk for hip fracture in later life. Surveys indicate that adolescent females in the United States are less likely than their male counterparts to consume their recommended levels of calcium. In fact, less than 25% of adolescent females are actually getting the calcium they need each day. Calcium is shown to positively impact peak bone mass when given up to the threshold dose of 1000 milligrams per day.

Physical Activity
Studies suggest that physical activity is a strong determinant of peak bone mass. The benefits of activity are most pronounced in those areas of the skeleton under mechanical loads.
Content Courtesy : www.osteo.org
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}