title: Bone density in peripubertal boys with autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: We determined whether bone mineral density (BMD) is lower in boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than controls, and also assessed variables that may affect BMD in ASD. BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 18 boys with ASD and 19 controls 8-14 years old. Boys with ASD had lower BMD Z-scores at the spine, hip and femoral neck, and differences at the hip and femoral neck persisted after controlling for maturity and BMI. Vitamin D intake from food and in serum were lower in ASD subjects, as was exercise activity. We conclude that BMD is lower in peripubertal boys with ASD and may be associated with impaired vitamin D status and lower exercise activity.
authors.affiliation: Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, One Maguire Road, Lexington, MA 02421, USA. aneumeyer@partners.org
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Neumeyer
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gates
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferrone
authors.forename: Hang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Madhusmita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Misra
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D