title: Bone mineral content measured with photon absorptiometry - a methodological study carried out on normal individuals.
abstract: Bone mineral content (BMC) was measured by photon absorptiometry in 136 adults and 14 children in order to obtain a reference group. The radiation source was 241 Am (45 mCi) and measurements were made on the midshafts of both forearms. The baseline level for measurements was the photon absorption through a waterfilled rubber cuff applied around the arm. Positive correlations were found between BMC and body parameters such as weight, body surface area, height, arm length and bone width. Negative correlations were found between BMC and fat parameters such as the size of a hump adjacent to the bone in the photon absorption profile, skin fold thickness, body mass index and the photon absorption between the bones. Therefore the measured BMC should be corrected for one of the fat parameters and probably also for a body parameter. As a means to correct for fat tissues a baseline level for photon absorption through soft tissue between the bones was compared to the use of a baseline level through water. BMC seemed to be higher in the dominant than in the non-dominant arm. However, after correction for fatty tissue there was no significant difference. BMC seemed to increase with intake of milk products. No correlation could be shown to physical exercise, pregnancies, duration of lactation, or smoking.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000576:Americium; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis*; D010298:Parity; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011247:Pregnancy; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals; D000576:Americium