effect of some non dietary factors on adolescent's bone health

Osteoporosis is a major health problem. Bone growth during childhood and adolescence is as important as bone loss that affects the development of osteoporosis. This work is a part of a national survey carried out by the National Nutrition Institute to determine the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Egypt among adolescents and adults and the effect of some factors on bone health conducted in the period 2001-2004. In a representative sample of Egypt, 2039 male and 2021 female adolescents in the age group [10-19] years were included [2500 families]. Among collected information was detailed medical examination and socioeconomic data. Weight and height were measured and percentile body mass index [p-BMI] was calculated and categorized in accordance to WHO [1995]. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was done to all subjects. Random blood sample was collected for subgroup to assess serum levels of sex hormones; testosterone and estrogen. Results showed that the prevalence of relative osteoporosis among adolescents is [16.7% and 0.9%] while the percentage of those with relative osteopenia was about [45.6% and 28.7%] among males and females respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that increase in age, attained height and increase in body mass index have direct relations with increased bone mineral density [BMD]. Also the genetic predisposition [as reflected by parents BMD] was found to have an effect on bone health in adolescents. Results did not show any significant role for hormonal levels in both sexes. Protective strategies should be started at earlier ages as well as nutrition and health education programs to prevent and control osteoporosis

Bone Mineral Density and nutrient intake among stunted Egyptian adolescents

In this study, bone mineral density, dietary and nutritional status were assessed among 159 stunted adolescents and the results were compared with 159 age, sex and socioeconomic matching controls. The results showed that the mean level of bone mass density [BMD] was significantly lower among the stunted compared with the control group; both groups had values much below the reported figures among adolescents of different countries. Dietary intake analysis showed that the mean intake of calcium and copper was not different among stunted and control groups; while the intake of animal fat, zinc and vitamin A was significantly lower among the stunted cases compared with the control group