Abstract:
Current knowledge on bone mineral density (BMD) changes during adolescence is based on the studies done in
Western populations. Obvious differences in determinants of bone health between Asians and Europeans would not
allow such a comparison. Knowledge of the age in which BMD attains its peak is important in planning health
promotional activities in a country. Current recommendations on bone health in Sri Lanka are based on studies
conducted in Western populations but geographical variations in BMD accrual would limit such an application. This
project examines phalangeal BMD (pBMD) in subjects selected from the Galle district to ascertain the timing of BMD
peak and its associations with nutritional status, socioeconomic status and physical activity, in a cross-sectional
manner. The age at which the peak phalangeal BMD is achieved was determined in 657 healthy men and women, aged
between 20-49 years, selected by stratified randomization from the Galle District. The peak phalangeal BMD was seen
in men and women between 30-39 years. Females of this age group (i.e. 30-39 years, n=582) were further studied to
examine the associations of their bone mineral density and bone mineral content (BMC)with anthropometry, physical
activity (currentand past), socioeconomic status, dietary intake and biochemical markers of bone health.
