Abstract
There has been uncertainty in the adult body composition literature about whether fat mass (FM) or fat free mass is a better predictor of bone mineral content and bone mineral density. This issue has recently also been raised in the pediatric literature. Based on suggested skeletal muscle-bone relationships, this study tested the hypothesis that in children and adolescents lean tissue mass (LTM) is a better predictor of total bone mineral content (TBMC) than is FM. Subjects were 133 Italian children and adolescents, 5 to 17 years of age, undergoing a routine medical screen. FM (kilograms), LTM (kilograms), and TBMC (kilograms) were measured by DXA. Multiple regression analyses tested the independent association of FM and LTM with bone mineral content. Regression analyses, adjusting for pubertal status and other covariates, showed that FM and LTM were independently associated with TBMC. These associations were similar for boys and girls. TBMC was more strongly associated with LTM than FM. These observations support the hypothesis that in children and adolescents a close association exists between LTM, a measure of skeletal muscle, and skeletal characteristics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
