Ethnic and genetic differences in bone mass: a review with a hereditary vs environmental perspective

Article Abstract:

The literature concerning ethnic and genetic influences on bone mass is reviewed. Reduced bone mass appears to be a risk factor for osteoporosis, a disease characterized by bone fractures. This condition is most common in elderly white women. Research on bone mass has uncovered real biological differences between ethnic groups. Blacks have more skeletal calcium and higher bone densities when compared with whites, even after corrections are made for differences in body mass (weight). It appears that the differences between blacks and whites are due to ethnicity. Research with twins, parents, and children has indicated that genetic factors also have a significant influence on bone density and bone mineral content. There is a strong correlation between mothers and daughters; bone mass accumulation by the age of 20 in the daughter is closely related to maternal bone mass. Bone mass is enhanced by child-bearing and breastfeeding; after menopause, lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet are most influential. Loss of bone mass occurs with age and the onset of menopause in women of all ethnic backgrounds. The relative influence of the four main determinants of bone mass: ethnic-genetic, dietary, physical activity, and hormonal factors, is not yet clear, and more research is needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Genetic aspects, Bone diseases, Osteoporosis

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Need for body composition information in elderly subjects

Article Abstract:

Body composition refers to the physiological proportions of various tissues in the body; these include fat, muscle, body water, and bone. Throughout life, body composition changes. From young adulthood to old age there is a gradual increase in body fat and a decrease in lean tissues such as muscle and bone. An individual's body composition reveals important information about his health and nutrition, and is considered more informative than body weight, which tells nothing about the components of the total weight. Assessments of body composition in the elderly are needed when the older person is a research subject or a patient in a hospital or nursing home. More specifically, body composition data can identify malnourished individuals, indicate risk for diseases and other health conditions, guide therapeutic plans, and evaluate their progress. Research has recently shown that knowing total body fat may not be informative enough; the location of body fat stores may be important. Accumulation of fat around the waist as opposed to the hips appears linked to elevated risk for heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder disease and possibly certain types of cancer. More research is needed into the relationships among age, gender, and body composition.

Aged, Elderly, Research, Analysis, Food and nutrition, Physical fitness, Leanness, Physical fitness for the aged

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Hydrostatic weighing without head submersion in morbidly obese females

Article Abstract:

The assessment of body composition requires that measurements be obtained by weighing the individual underwater. This procedure makes it possible to calculate lean body mass by comparison of this weight to the weight in air (a measurement of density and fat). However, 25 percent of morbidly obese patients will not tolerate facial immersion. The current paper develops equations that allow accurate estimates of lean body mass and body composition without facial immersion. Results indicate that this is a technique that gives results of satisfactory accuracy in cases of morbid female obesity.

Methods, Usage, Body weight, Hydrostatics

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