Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition in 13-14 Years Old Egyptian Males

Abstract

any diseases deleteriously affect bone density and bone mass accrual causing osteoporosis which is a public health concern that has extensive physical and psychological consequences. It is no longer considered age dependent, which means it can affect children and adolescents. It is largely preventable by avoiding risk factors, early diagnosis and intervention. The NIH consensus conference in 2000 stated that bone mineral accrual during childhood is a major determinant of osteoporosis risk later in life. Recent studies aim to determine the effect of age, sex, ethnicity and puberty on bone mineral accrual, also to study the contribution of modifiable factors including calcium intake, physical activity, sunlight exposure and socio-economic status on BMD. Also setting a reference range of normal values of BMD and BMC at different skeletal sites in different age groups is particularly important in following up children at risk for osteoporosis as those on long term treatment with corticosteroids.