Abstract
Anecdotally, it is suggested that Pacific Island women have good bone mineral density (BMD) compared to other ethnicities; however, little evidence for this or for associated factors exists. This study aimed to explore associations between predictors of bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2), in pre-menopausal Pacific Island women. Healthy pre-menopausal Pacific Island women (age 16–45 years) were recruited as part of the larger EXPLORE Study. Total body BMD and body composition were assessed using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry and air-displacement plethysmography (n = 83). A food frequency questionnaire (n = 56) and current bone-specific physical activity questionnaire (n = 59) were completed. Variables expected to be associated with BMD were applied to a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Due to missing data, physical activity and dietary intake factors were considered only in simple correlations. Mean BMD was 1.1 ± 0.08 g/cm2. Bone-free, fat-free lean mass (LMO, 52.4 ± 6.9 kg) and age were positively associated with BMD, and percent body fat (38.4 ± 7.6) was inversely associated with BMD, explaining 37.7% of total variance. Lean mass was the strongest predictor of BMD, while many established contributors to bone health (calcium, physical activity, protein, and vitamin C) were not associated with BMD in this population, partly due to difficulty retrieving dietary data. This highlights the importance of physical activity and protein intake during any weight loss interventions to in order to minimise the loss of muscle mass, whilst maximizing loss of adipose tissue.
Highlights
There is little doubt that bone mineral density is a key component of healthy aging
While there is little doubt that total mass has an effect on bone, whether it is the effect of fat mass or lean mass that influences bone mineral density (BMD) is disputed
Eight were unable to undergo a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan due to equipment malfunction, leaving 83 suitable for inclusion in the multiple regression analysis used in this investigation
Summary
There is little doubt that bone mineral density is a key component of healthy aging. Maintenance of bone density throughout adulthood is crucial for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and associated fragility fractures in later life. 70% of the variation in bone mineral density (BMD) is accounted for by genetics [4], individuals are able to maximise their bone health through a healthy body composition and lifestyle factors, such as dietary intake of calcium, protein, and vitamin C, adequate vitamin D status, and physical activity [5,6]. Body composition has a strong impact on bone health. While there is little doubt that total mass has an effect on bone, whether it is the effect of fat mass or lean mass that influences BMD is disputed
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