Lifestyle Factors Related to Low Femoral and Spinal Bone Density in Young Saudi Adult Women

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a major health problem both world wide and in Saudi Arabia, many lifestyle factors are considered as causes for the increase in osteopenia and osteoporosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of some lifestyle factors on bone mineral density (BMD) in young Saudi adult women. Measurements of BMD (g/m2) in the femoral neck area and the lumbar spine (L2-L4) was performed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 101 females age range 20–24.9 years. BMD, T-score and Z-score were evaluated. Lifestyle factors were assessed through a questionnaire. Dairy and milk consumption, physical activity, animal protein consumption and sun exposure were the factors that showed significant association with some BMD parameters. Whereas limited calcium and Vitamin D intake and high consumption of soft drinks are the major contributers to osteopenia and osteoporosis in young females. Funding Information: This research was supported by a grant from the “Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP-2021/188), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Declaration of Interests: The author declares that she have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Before taking measurements, the study protocol was explained to participants, and the informed consent was signed upon their agreement before inclusion in the study. Measurements were performed according to principles of Helsinki declaration. the study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the College of Applied Medical Sciences – King Saud University (Ethics No. CAMS18/3536).